SUCCESS?
Meanwhile Miss Elizabeth Garrett was providing in her own career the
very example that was needed to clinch the argument. After much arduous
work and lavish expenditure of money on special classes, she had
obtained the “L.S.A.,” a licence to practise from the Society of
Apothecaries,[49] and good use she had made of the platform thus gained.
Henceforth no one could deny that an Englishwoman had the physique and
the wit to study, “qualify,” and practise Medicine,—yes, even to get her
full share of patients. It was scarcely to be expected that Miss Garrett
would rest content without a University degree, but she considered that
the time was not ripe for the agitation of the question in England, and
she had little sympathy with S. J.-B.’s efforts in Edinburgh. None the
less her successful career was a more valuable argument than her support
would have been,—even if, at the moment, she had not been too fully
occupied elsewhere to enter into the question at all.
Footnote 49:
After Miss Garrett had obtained her diploma, the Society of
Apothecaries passed a resolution forbidding students henceforth to
receive any part of their education privately, thus making it
impossible even for a woman of means to follow in her steps.
On March 21st, S. J.-B. wrote to Dr. Sewall:
“I have two nice little bits of news about Miss Garrett. One is that
the Princess Louise went to see her, and, after enquiring about the
medical prospects of women, expressed strong hopes of their complete
success. This is really worth a great deal, and I hope you will have
too much sense to sneer at it.
Secondly, I see in the _British Medical Journal_ (which I shall try to
send you) a notice that Miss Garrett had ‘by special order of the
minister’ been admitted to the first examination for M.D. [in Paris]
and had passed it in the presence of a crowded audience with very
great _éclat_. That woman certainly has great power of study and work,
hasn’t she?
By the bye, you would have been interested at the scene in which I
noticed this paragraph. I was sitting yesterday morning at Sir James
Simpson’s breakfast table, between him and his wife, and he passed the
paper to me....
He was, of course, quite favourable to my application, and I am to
breakfast with him again tomorrow and hear what he will do about
it.[50] He is going off to Rome for a trip this week, but I am very
anxious that he should vote in my favour first. He is so unreliable
that I do not know how to make sure of his doing it though,—very
likely he’ll be at the other end of Edinburgh when the meeting is
held. I told him that you remembered him and always spoke of his
kindness to you. I am not quite sure whether he recalled it. He spoke
highly of Dr. Emily Blackwell.”
Footnote 50:
To the irreparable loss of the women students, Sir James Simpson died
in the spring of the following year.
A few days previous to this an unobtrusive little note of no small
import appears in the diary:
“8.30 p.m. at Begbie’s met Campbell Smith, who walked home with me.
Older and more quiet than I had expected. Kindly.”
The favourable impression was mutual, if one may judge from the letter
that follows:
“30 Royal Circus,
21st March, 1869.
DEAR MISS BLAKE,
I left your MS. yesterday with Mr. Findlay of the _Scotsman_. I
think he will give you some help. If nothing be in the _Scotsman_
tomorrow, and whether or not, you may call for him at the office. He
will be happy to see you. He said so, and said further that you needed
no note of introduction.
The review of your book appeared on 18th Nov., 1867, and you will see
that also in the pile when you call.
Faithfully yours,
J. C. SMITH.”
Thus began that support from the _Scotsman_, which, in the able hands of
Mr. Alexander Russel, was destined to be of such incalculable value to
the whole Feminist movement. The _Scotsman_ was just approaching the
height of its reputation, and its advocacy was the more valuable because
it was not supposed to have a specially weak side for new movements and
forlorn hopes. It used to be said in those days that, when the North
Pole was discovered, a Scotsman would be found sitting on it, and it
might have been added that the Scotsman would prove to be engrossed in
the newspaper that bore his name. In any case, from this moment on, all
that publicity could do for the cause was done. For better and for
worse, the doings of S. J.-B. were about to be writ large for the whole
world to read. They were the text round which the whole question was
threshed out by countless firesides,—the text on which the life and
character of every other woman provided a running commentary.
Small notion had S. J.-B. of the great flame that small spark was to
kindle. In her diary she speaks quite casually of “my” leader, “highly
approved by Masson.”
Meanwhile the canvassing was proceeding steadily, and S. J.-B.’s “thumb-
nail” notes and sketches of character often make interesting reading,—
none the less so because her gifts in this direction were necessarily
immature.
“Thursday, 18th.... A long 1½ hours’ talk with Allman,—-going
earnestly over every inch of ground, he very nice; at last, he ‘should
be delighted to see me in his class,’ and he thought no legal
objection against admission to classes, however about degrees. I am
sure he will be a firm strong true friend.”
“Friday, March 19th. Today for the first time the astounding idea
dawned upon me that it was perhaps just possible that I really might
succeed after all!
_If I did!_—to enter first a British University!—(‘first’?—Yes, rather
mean, I know, but instinctive!—)
11 a.m. [after three hours’ work and visiting]—Fraser. Friendly, but
rather non-committal,—speaking of it as a ‘matter for the medical
faculty,’ etc.
12. Balfour. At first rather wavering and weak. Didn’t see how a woman
_could_ dissect, etc., till I told him ‘I’d done it for some months,’
etc.... Ultimately a very valuable suggestion that he and A. should
admit me to their summer courses, of Botany and Natural History, and
then, if all went well I matriculate in October, and go to the rest.
Proposes to call a Medical Faculty meeting next week if possible
before Simpson goes.
1.30, Lunch at the Grants. Very friendly and kind,—he with real
English Oxford manner and courtesy,—she very kindly.
He thought ‘all would agree as to end,—only difficulty as to means,’—
agreed with Balfour’s idea of wisdom of deferring degree question. Was
‘very much interested’ in it all, and thought my going to see each of
the Faculty would make a great difference.
Told me that in a recent speech here, Jowett ‘hoped the Universities
would open to women’ and was cheered greatly.
Gave me (sealed) introduction to Christison (the ogre)—and authorized
me to tell him ‘he should make no difficulty,’ etc.
3 p.m. Henderson,—feared women ‘would get the cream of practice, if
any’ (noble fear!)—would ‘think over it,’—-after a futile ‘non
possumus’.”
On the following day S. J.-B. sent in her formal application to the Dean
of the Medical Faculty:
“SIR,
As I understand that the statutes of the University of Edinburgh
do not in any way prohibit the admission of women, and as the
Universities of Paris and Zurich have already been thrown open to
them, I venture earnestly to request from you and the other gentlemen
of the Medical Faculty permission to attend the lectures in your
Medical School during the ensuing session.
I beg to signify my willingness to accede to any such conditions, or
agree to any such reservations as may seem desirable to you, and
indeed to withdraw my application altogether if, after due and
sufficient trial, it should be found impracticable to grant me a
continuance of the favour which I now request. You, Sir, must be well
aware of the almost insuperable difficulty of pursuing the study of
Medicine under any conditions but those which can be commanded by
large colleges only; and, in view of the increasing demand for the
medical service of women among their own sex, I am sure that you will
concede the great importance of providing for the adequate instruction
of such as desire thoroughly to qualify themselves to fulfil the
duties of the medical profession.
Earnestly commending my request to the favourable consideration of
yourself and your colleagues.
I am, Sir,
Yours obediently,
SOPHIA JEX-BLAKE.”
This letter is copied in her diary, and followed by the note:
“Taken to him, and meeting called to oblige me at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Oh,
dear, how these folks gain by comparison with Harvard!
9.30 a.m. Turner. Quiet, thoughtful, realizing difficulty strongly,
and referring to Christison as ‘our Nestor.’ Still listening heedfully
and promising my words should ‘have due weight.’
10.30. Christison. ‘The matter _has_ been decided.’ Not rude but quite
uncompromising. He should use no influence, but vote against me.
... 2 p.m. Dr. Bennett, who declared himself tired of fighting Syme
and Christison, but will, I think, do it. He railed at them most of
the time. Did not see the need of women as doctors, but acknowledged
their possible value as assistant physiologists....[51] Will admit me,
if possible, to his non-obligatory histology class in summer....
10 p.m. Was awfully cross at having to go to dine at ... and to tea at
..., but at the latter ‘met the gods,’—a _very_ nice woman of 33 or 34
with curiously white hair,—Mrs. Evans, I think. She and I held
together on almost all subjects. She would like to study Medicine (and
I am sure has the power) but for an ‘old aunt.’ Oh, dear, the ‘might
have beens’!—And yet here was I ten minutes ago defending ‘absolute
right’ as the only rule.
Curious though how one’s instinct leaps forward at the smallest
chance.—‘Couldn’t we take a “flat” together?’”
Footnote 51:
As Physiology was Dr. Bennett’s speciality, the admission was worth
having.
“Monday, March 22nd. A cup of tea and then to Simpson’s to breakfast.
He said he should probably be here tomorrow and would go to the
meeting if at all possible....
Then ... to Laycock ... who was ‘frank’(!)—and told me ‘as a public
man,’ etc., he must oppose,—informed me women ‘didn’t understand their
position,’ that they did their own work in the world badly, that they
had not sufficient strength for medical practice,—‘if women are fit
for war, I will allow them fit for medicine.’ And, when I instanced
the Amazons, thought that had nothing to do with it! Was sure women
preferred men to do everything for them, even in shops;—and informed
me no decent woman knew what young men are, or if she did, it was
reprehensible, etc.
After lunch to Syme,—he more favourable than I had expected. Did think
women ought to supersede ‘that man in ... Street,’—and thought if it
was clearly understood that they only meant to practise in Midwifery
and uterine diseases, there ‘would be no opposition.’ Not to be
present tomorrow any way.
Spence,—rather doubtful-minded. Not strongly opposed,—might turn
either way, but is, I think, rather kindly and not irrational.
Then called on kind Lady Grant; then home to rest.”
“Tuesday, 23rd. 10.30 a.m. Now, having done all that lies in one
woman’s power—except, perhaps, an article in the _Daily Review_,—
having left a book, as a reminder, on Bennett, hunted up Sir J. Y. S.
and crammed him [with] Mlle Unpronounceable at St. Petersburg,—I have
to do what is hardest of all,—wait.
Four distinct votes in my favour, I believe, if all go and all keep
faith with me. Allman ... Bennett, Balfour, Simpson.
Against me distinctly,—Christison, Laycock, and probably Henderson.
Doubtful,—Turner, Spence, and, perhaps, Syme.
Besides Maclagan (ill), and Playfair (probably absent).[52]
Footnote 52:
It must be borne in mind that at this time the question was before
the Professors of the Medical Faculty only.
To lunch with Simpson at 2 p.m., and hear results.
1.45 p.m. Waiting for the verdict? How will it be? Somehow the
probability seems rather for me this time,—but there,—the Fates are so
habitually adverse! I can’t help hoping and yet I _don’t_ expect
success. I hope they won’t ‘give an uncertain sound’ and put it off
indefinitely!
8 p.m.—Gloria tibi Domine!...
At 2 p.m. went to Sir J. Y. S.,—found him out, but met him in the
street. ‘Yes, ye’re to be let in to the classes if the Senatus allow
ye,—‘ of course with all provisos as to ‘tentative,’ etc. But the
great fact is granted,—the thin end of the wedge in, and, though
nothing is secure till after the Senatus on Saturday, yet it is an
enormous triumph!
Three more days’ of calling and entreating and arguing,—then ‘after
all these voices ... peace.’
After all, my aspiration to L. E. S. was not so ill-founded,—‘If I can
be the first woman to open a British University’—then surely I, like
Charlotte Brontë ‘shall have served, my heart and I’—even if I die
straightway.
For May, June and July, the Botany, Natural History, and Histology,
with preparation for the Matriculation exam.
Oh, dear, I do feel so exultant.... In one sense I do see all the
life-preamble to have been needed. The experience in the United States
gave me much more chance of success now,—the life there gave me health
really to use the chance when it comes.
I hardly fear the future at all;—not the students, nor the work.
I am sorry not to be with Mother, but on the whole this must be best,
I think.
Four years of College! All alone? Surely not literally all the time—
spiritually, who knows?
What a pity, as I said to U.D. that they will use up gold for
toasting-forks!
Well, I am sure the hind-wheels may run by faith for a long time now.
Perhaps the tangle is beginning to unravel after all these years,—and
I shall have to cry, ‘Oh, why didn’t I bear on better then!’ I suppose
that is always the feeling when the cloud begins to lift. But _till_
it lifts,—
‘Still it is hard. No darkness will be light
Though we should call it light from night till morn.’
And surely the Father pitieth His children.”
The numberless quotations in the course of her diary,—however
fundamentally optimistic—are almost always in a minor key; but the minor
key proves inadequate in the face of this great joy. One can see the
dark eyes flash as she goes on,—
“‘Fair are the Marcian kalends,
The proud ides, when the squadron rides,
Shall be Rome’s whitest day.’
Surely I shall have to institute a festival for March 23rd. I wonder
who’s the saint. It will be very odd if any other day in my life will
be (if all goes well) as vital an epoch as today....
I feel as if everybody was my peer today, for I want everybody to
shake hands with me. I am so glad. Dear old Mother!—why are you not
here to kiss me?... O.H.?... L.E.S.?... Ursula?... Perhaps _your_
thought is nearest me tonight, because you more than any perhaps
realize the day of crisis....”
“Wednesday, March 24th. How very nice it is to wake with a sense of
something very good in the wind!”
Indeed it is small wonder that she was elated. Everyone had assured her
that the opposition of the doctors was the thing to be feared, and now
the Medical Faculty had recorded its vote in her favour. True, the
permission only applied, in the first instance, to the Summer Term, and
some of the professors may well have thought that the Summer Term would
be more than enough to quench the ardour of the solitary woman student.
But there is really no need to enquire into the manifold motives that
may have swayed them. They had done what she asked, and it was scarcely
to be supposed that the professors of the other faculties would prove
more obdurate. One thinks with satisfaction of some of the men with whom
she now had to deal,—Professor Masson was not the only rock among them.
One has but to recall the names of Professor Calderwood, Professor
Lorimer, Professor Wilson, and others too, in order to realise that, so
far as they were concerned, her feet were on sure ground.
The diary of March 24th continues:
“Then to Masson’s, where I got 5 introductions. He very hopeful, I
think. Seems not to think the University Court have the right to
interfere.
Then to Tytler’s. He very quiet and legal. ‘Should go to the Senatus
quite unprejudiced,’—which was hardly all I wanted!...
... In afternoon went with Mr. Begbie to see ... Calderwood,—at home
and quite favourable. Should support me on Saturday. ‘Fine speaker,’
says Begbie.
Then Tait,—quite favourable.
Fleeming Jenkin,—rather so,—indeed I think he almost promised to vote
for me, but feared some legal difficulties as to Matriculation, etc.
After Begbie went home, I saw Kelland,—he mildly favourable,—but saw
‘difficulties.’ Still will vote, I think.
In the evening at Blackies’. He with clear pure face, white hair and
straw hat! Half mad looking, certainly. But showed me favourable
passages in his Notes on the Iliad, etc.—XI. 740—, and ‘unless he
hears strong things to the contrary’ will support me. Mrs. Blackie
also nice, I think,—not commonplace.”
“Thursday, 25th. Congratulations from Mother and U.D.... Left Iliad
notes at Blackie’s. Then saw Lorimer. Very kind and friendly. ‘Very
glad to see me.’ Introduced me to Mrs. Lorimer, was ‘sure women could
do work men couldn’t’, etc., and were needed. Introduced me to
M‘Pherson, saying he ‘sufficiently expressed his opinion by saying he
intended to vote for me.’
Which McPherson _doesn’t_. Not disagreeable however, though less
earnestminded than most.
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.
Indeed I hope with all my writing and speaking and warning (including
my rather ill-advised raid on Balfour at College this morning) I have
put a spoke in Christison’s wheel. Just about voting on it, I
suppose,—3.30 p.m.
It is to be hoped Wilson will be prophetic,—‘We’ll have a great fight,
but we’ll beat them!’
10 p.m. Success,—and _such_ a success,—14 to 4!—‘Nunc dimittis’?—No,
surely,—fresh zeal and energy for lifelong work.
Isn’t it _good_ after such a fortnight of rush and battle and strain
to go to bed, saying,—‘The work is done!’
‘Of all the gifts of God...!’”
It is interesting to note that the speakers in S. J.-B.’s favour at the
Meeting of Senatus were:—Professors Balfour, Tait, Lorimer, Fleeming
Jenkin, Masson, Blackie, Bennett, and Sir Alexander Grant. Against her
were Professors Christison, Turner, Laycock and Craufurd. To her great
surprise Professor Muirhead gave notice of an appeal to the University
Court. Professor Playfair was out of town, but the following letter has
been preserved:
“University Club,
Edinburgh.
26 March, 69.
MY DEAR MASSON,
I have to express my regret that, in ignorance of there being a
Senatus Meeting tomorrow, I had made an important engagement in
Fifeshire.
I cordially concur in the recommendation of the Medical Faculty, that
Miss Blake should be allowed to attend the Summer classes. If no
inconvenience be found in practice, there are many precedents for
female graduation, and for female professors. Pope Joan herself is an
instance, although she professed and graduated in male attire. But
lesser people than a pope may be adduced as precedents, in Salamanca,
Bologna and Padua, especially from the thirteenth century onwards. Sir
Roundell Palmer would not object on the ground of the legality of the
prospect of female graduation, though if he were a member of Senatus
he might doubt the expediency.
For my part, I have faith that the students will act like gentlemen,
and will prove that the tentative session has not been lost by
discourtesy on their part.
Yours sincerely,
LYON PLAYFAIR.”