302 WOMAN IN SCIENCE 



that, being insane, an outbreak of insanity would soon be 

 apparent. ' n 



In due time Miss Blackwell finished her course in medi- 

 cine and surgery, and graduated at the head of her class. 

 The orator of the day, who was a member of the faculty, 

 naturally referred to the new departure that had been 

 made the admission of a woman for the first time to a 

 complete medical education and among other things de- 

 clared that the experiment, of which every member of the 

 faculty was proud, "had proved that the strongest intellect 

 and nerve and the most untiring perseverance were com- 

 patible with the softest attributes of feminine delicacy and 

 grace. ' ' 2 



The awarding of the degree of M.D. for the first time to 

 a woman in America excited general comment and wide- 

 spread interest, not only in the United States, but in 

 Europe as well. The public press was not unfavorable in 

 its opinion of the new departure, and even Punch could 

 not resist writing some verses, sympathetic, albeit humor- 

 ous, in honor of the fair M.D. 3 



i Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to Women, 

 p. 70, by Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, London, 1895. 2 Ibid., p. 91. 

 3 "Young ladies all, of every clime, 



Especially of Britain 

 Who wholly occupy your time 



In novels or in knitting, 

 Whose highest skill is but to play, 



Sing, dance or French to clack well, 

 Reflect on the example, pray, 



Of excellent Miss Blackwell. 



"For Doctrix Blackwell, that's the way 



To dub in rightful gender 

 In her profession, ever may 



Prosperity attend her. 

 Punch a gold-headed parasol 



Suggests for presentation 

 To one so well deserving all 



Esteem and Admiration." 



