Cosmo Innes. Painfully deaf, but very friendly. Much interested about
my written communications about Bologna. Will support me. I’m to send
him facts from British Museum.
Muirhead—I had been taught to fear as surely opposed. So he was at
first, but candid and earnest and kind, and said at last, ‘You have
disposed of many of my objections.’ Much interested as to University
statistics,—Bologna, etc. Suggested Balfour should write for
information to Paris and Zurich.
Then bought stockings and basket, and called on Miss Blyth, and came
home pretty well done up. Now to start again soon.
(I hear Mr. M., downstairs, is interested to hear they have ‘that
lady’ here!)
3 p.m. Professor Playfair has been here,—very kindly,—very much in
earnest,—laying stress on Bologna degrees, etc. Introduction to Piazzi
Smith,—‘I am strongly in favour of granting her desire to attend the
classes, with the view of taking the degree in Medicine. She is
thoroughly in earnest and desires no favour. Do give her an
opportunity of stating her case to you.’
Then with D. B. M. to Stevenson ... who thinks it ‘haigh taime’ to
have female practitioners, and means to vote for me, I think.
Then D. B. M. home, and with Mr. Begbie to Dr. C. who seems to have
been at a Tory clack with Christison and Co. in the morning and won’t
help me. He most naïvely let out ‘what Christison meant to do,’—i.e.
argue that the Senate could not act without more legal advice,—delay,—
and if possible refer to Chancellor Inglis. Whereon I wrote to Tait,
Innes and Playfair to put on guard.
6 p.m. Dinner at 22 Manor Place....
By the bye, how queerly much impressed Muirhead was with the ‘trouble
I had taken’ at British Museum, etc.”
“Friday 26th. This morning at 10.30, to Piazzi Smith,—deaf and very
hard to get at. Declared nothing but Astronomy to be his business,—and
particularly no science used for money-getting!—Then he rambled off to
‘supply before demand’—Meteorological Society and Mr. Lowe, etc., and
Registrar of Deaths, etc. Then—had a ladies’ meeting been called to
declare they would employ women, etc.... However I might be sure he
‘would not vote against me,’ and advised me not to be discouraged!...
Oh, dear, what a strain it is on one to have to sit out that sort of
thing!
2 p.m. came Professor Wilson,—very kind and friendly,—though, having
inadvertently shown him my list, he instantly pounced down on his own
name and asked my authority. So I gave up Playfair instantly!... A
grave good thoughtful man,—a very sound champion.
Then to see Lorimer who encourages me finely.”
“Saturday March 27th. Went with Mr. Begbie to see Oakeley (at school
with Tom) Oxfordish (i.e. non enthusiastic), but civil enough. Said he
should support.
11 a.m. Fraser. The Medical Faculty having agreed, he was ready to do
so too. I specially pleaded against “shelving” the question.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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