time as that of deacon, and corresponds in duty with that office. We
read of deaconesses in the last chapter of Romans, Phoebe, Priscilla,
Aquila, &c. The establishment of institutions for deaconesses affords a
home to the unmarried women of our land, and widows without children,
and furnishes them with such work as their health and previous
employments fit them for. It carries out the principle, "Unity is
strength." It is founded on that true spring of success--sympathy
arising from similarity of circumstances and sameness of employment.
Ministering to the sick and poor is so well adapted to women, that their
time might be pleasantly as well as profitably spent. The desire in
women to be employed is thus gratified, and the good of others as well
as themselves thereby promoted. Those received as members would find it
most harmonious to be of the same religion, and they should be willing
to come under the regulations of the institution. Such an institution
would have to be conducted by a person of discretion, piety, and wisdom.
The members usually dress in uniform. Comfortable clothing is always
furnished, boarding of course being provided in the establishment. The
duties of deaconess in Protestant institutions are the same as those of
sisters of charity in nunneries and convents. The institutions are
usually commenced by public or private contributions, and some by both.
When once firmly established, the members might receive a fair
compensation for their services from the sick that are able and willing
to pay. It might go to the support of the institution, and those who saw
proper to devote themselves to teaching might throw their profits into
the general fund. But such institutions should be secured on such a firm
basis that those women who joined the order would ever be certain of a
home, and of a kind and careful attendance in sickness and old age. If
institutions are established in various parts of the United States, an
inmate of one, if tired of remaining at that, might, by request, and
after consideration by the principal, or a board of trustees, be
permitted to remove to another. There are a number of institutions in
Europe for preparing women for the duties of deaconess. The first
institution of modern times was established by Pastor Fliedner, at
Kaiserwerth, Germany. "It has for its object the training of
deaconesses--that is, female students to take charge of the sick and the
poor, and superintend hospitals, infant and industrial schools, and, in
short, to be the educators and preservers of humanity." An association
has lately been formed in London of this order. Its object "is the
diffusion of sanitary knowledge and promotion of physical training." "In
Russia, the system for the practical training of deaconesses has spread
in all directions. In Paris, Strasbourg, Echallens (in Switzerland),
Utrecht, and England, the institution exists." Kings have not thought it
beneath them to assist in the support of such institutions. Miss Bremer
mentions several going to Jerusalem to take charge of a hospital, which
the King of Prussia founded at an expense of $50,000. We find two or
three such institutions exist in the United States--one in New York,
another in Pittsburg, and one in an incipient state in Baltimore. The
one in New York is conducted by Sisters of the Holy Communion
(Episcopalians). Five of them make their home at St. Luke's Hospital.
One or two of the number are engaged in a parochial school connected
with Dr. Muhlenberg's church. Those of the hospital nurse the sick
during the day. They employ nurses to do the night nursing, except in
very serious cases that require especial attention. Their dress is
simple, black, with white collars and undersleeves, and, when in full
dress, a Swiss muslin cap. They do not take vows like the nuns of the
Roman Catholic church, nor do they give up all their property, but make
a quarterly payment, according to their means. One devotes herself to
the measuring out and dispensing of medicine. There is a hospital in
Pittsburg in charge of some deaconesses from Kaiserwerth. They belong to
the Evangelical Lutheran church. The institution was commenced by the
Rev. W. A. Passavant, but is now incorporated by the State, and the
"members are empowered to engage in all works of mercy, such as the care
of the poor, sick, fatherless, insane, and the education of the ignorant
and the orphan. The sisters live in community--dress simply, and
generally alike, so as to avoid any unnecessary distinction and useless
expenses. Applicants for admission go first for a month merely as
visitors, and pay their own expenses going and returning. If both
parties approve, they then enter on probation for three months, and
afterward for nine months, or longer, as the institution may deem best.
Then, if their purpose is still the same, they are received by a vote,
according to the charter, as members. It is distinctly understood, that
if a change in their views and purposes, or nearer or family duties
require them to leave after this, they are at perfect liberty to do so,
but always, only, after giving the institution a due notice of three
months, unless such a notification is impossible from the circumstances
of the case. Those who are preparing for the work among the sick learn
the duties of an apothecary. All the sisters know how to mix medicines."
Miss E. Blackwell says: "In the Catholic church the wants and talents of
all classes are met. Single wealthy women become nuns, and so devote
their riches and talents and time to good works. They associate with the
most refined and best educated of both sexes. Poor single women find a
home and social pleasures. It requires practical business habits to
become even a successful sister of charity. They should enter with an
active interest and zest into the duties of every-day life. These orders
can never succeed well among Protestants, particularly until female
physicians are introduced." The Minister of the Interior, writing from
Italy to Mrs. Jameson, says: "Not only have we experienced the advantage
of employing the sisters of charity in the prisons, in the supervision
of the details, in distributing food, preparing medicines, and nursing
the sick in the infirmaries; but we find that the influence of these
ladies on the minds of the prisoners, when recovering from sickness, has
been productive of the greatest benefit, as leading to permanent reform
in many cases, and a better frame of mind always: for this reason, among
others, we have given them every encouragement." Many young ladies of
education, wealth, and influence would, on becoming pious, or when
disappointed in their hopes and aspirations, be likely to join such
societies. At such times, many are willing to give themselves up
entirely to works of active benevolence. Such a life, of course,
involves some self-denials. Bishop Potter warmly advocated the
introduction of such orders, and delivered an address in favor of it.
The Bishop of Exeter recommended the establishment of such orders in
England, and an institution for deaconesses has been opened in London.
=11. Dentists.= Some time ago, in New York, a few ladies prepared
themselves for the practice of dentistry. We believe only one really
practised, and she but a short time. We find her name in a New York
directory as a dentist. It would be more agreeable to most ladies to
have their teeth cleaned and plugged by a lady. They would not feel the
same hesitancy in going alone at any time to a dentist of their own sex.
Extracting teeth would require more nerve and strength than most ladies
possess. Yet, if a woman has nerves sufficiently firm, and ability to
control her sympathies, she may succeed. There are dental schools in
Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. A professor in the dental
school at Philadelphia writes: "I would suggest that if any ladies
desire to become efficient practitioners in some branches of dentistry,
it would be better for them to apply to a reputable practitioner, and
with time and attention become thoroughly familiar with those branches.
In doing so they will prove to the world their capability, and the rest
in time will follow. Dentistry has been humorously called a 'woman's
profession.'" "There is nothing even in the surgical part of dentistry,
to which she is not adapted. In this profession she will have a fair
opportunity to foil her enemies and accusers; and her children's _teeth_
would not be set on edge without the possibility of instant relief.
There is no mystery in the dental structure, which the turnkey, in her
magic hand, could not _unlock_; and no terrible pain in tooth
extraction, which her mystic power could not exceedingly mitigate." Most
profit arising to dentists is from making and inserting artificial
teeth. It is a lucrative business, when properly understood, and one
which affords constant employment.
=12. Editresses.= The most powerful instrument for disseminating general
knowledge in the United States is the newspaper press. It does a great
deal for promoting a love of letters; and the cheapness of the papers is
such as to render them accessible to almost every one. The literature of
the day penetrates the most remote corner of our country. Obscure,
indeed, is the place that knows not the printer's power. Even in
California, more than a year ago, there were published 81 newspapers. In
New York city alone were published 154 newspapers, and 114 magazines.
But this is not strange when we remember that no less than eighty
languages are spoken there. A newspaper states that there are printed in
Austria 10 newspapers, 14 in Africa, 24 in Spain, 20 in Portugal, 30 in
Asia, 65 in Belgium, 85 in Denmark, 90 in Russia and Poland, 320 in
other German States, 500 in Great Britain, and 1,800 in the United
States. Taking merely newspaper and magazine literature into
consideration, does not our republic offer inducements to intellectual
culture? Does she not reward talent and encourage industry? Yes. Her
general diffusion of knowledge and the learned men of her press give a
positive reply. The dignity of man should be elevated, his affections
purified, and his pursuits ennobled by the mighty influence of the
press. Editors should live as ministers to the welfare of humanity. The
aspiring character of our people and their thirst for knowledge will
long make a heavy demand on the talent and taste of those who wield the
editor's pen. There are several publications in the United States
conducted exclusively by ladies; some in which the assistant editors are
ladies; and a small number devoted to the interests of women alone.
Several ladies have entered the editorial corps within the last few
years. The Harpers, in their Magazine, state there are about six hundred
literary and miscellaneous periodicals published in this country. If all
the labor, as type setting, binding, &c., was done by women, what a
fortunate thing it would be for many of the poor! I have been told that
when an article is sent to a newspaper, and is known to have come from
the brain and the pen of a woman, ten to one, her compensation will be
smaller for it, and in many cases it will be rejected. There are a few
exceptions. Fanny Fern, for instance, receives, we have seen it stated,
at the rate of $100 a column from Mr. Bonner for a contribution to the
_Ledger_. The sum total he will pay her for the amount he has engaged
will be $6,000. Mrs. B. receives $600 for editing a monthly paper. Some
time back contributors to the _Independent_ were paid $3 a column, and
to the New York _Observer_ at the same rate. Mr. L. told me that a man
is paid $20 a week for making out an index for the New York _Tribune_,
which could be done by any lady with a cultivated and well disciplined
mind. The man that was employed not long since had been a wood engraver,
and had received no special training for his duties in the _Tribune_
office. The papers to be sent away are directed by machinery, which a
lady could attend. Some one writes me the qualifications for his
business are strength of mind and body. We think there is generally a
heavy draft on either one or the other in every occupation successfully
pursued, and in some on both. Émile Girardin was a French editress that
died recently. Mrs. Johnson, of Edinburgh, was for years editress of the
Inverness _Courier_, which was published in her husband's name. Miss
Parkes conducts the _Englishwoman's Journal_. Mrs. Swisshelm edited the
Pittsburg _Visitor_ with much vigor and ability. Mrs. Virginia L. French
has charge of the literary department of a paper issued in Nashville,
Tenn. Miss McDowell might have succeeded with the _Woman's Advocate_, if
her noble efforts had been appreciated as they deserved.
=13. Government Officers.= "Many Government offices could be creditably
filled by intelligent and experienced women. Miss Wallace and Miss
Thomas were employed as computers on the Coast Survey at Washington in
1854, with salaries each of $480, with perquisites making it $600. A man
to do the same work would probably receive twice as much." "Mrs. Miller,
at one time, was engaged in making observations of the weather--the
thermometer, barometer, direction of winds, quantity of rain, &c., in
which she was assisted by another person appointed by a society of which
both sexes were members." Computations of this kind could be made at
home. Mr. Blodgett, who had charge of the Smithsonian Institute in 1854,
wrote: "The discussion of observations in physical science,
meteorological observations particularly, has never been undertaken in a
general manner until attempted in this department of the Smithsonian
Institute, and I have found that accuracy and despatch require
well-trained minds of great endurance. Only the best minds can
successfully undertake scientific calculations and computations; and
these must possess a sort of half masculine strength and endurance." Yet
we would not offer this as a discouragement. If it has been done, it can
be done again. "During Mr. Fillmore's administration, two women wrote
for the Treasury Department at Washington, at salaries of twelve and
fifteen hundred a year." Several ladies are employed in different parts
of the United States for copying by registers of deeds; but the majority
are relatives of the registers. In some towns of the East, however,
other ladies than relatives are employed, who receive $1 per day for
their services. Miss Olive Rose has performed the duties of the register
of deeds, at Thomaston, Maine. She writes: "I was officially notified of
the election, required to give bonds, &c. I am unable to state the exact
amount of salary, as it is regulated by whatever business is done in the
office. Perhaps it may average between $300 and $400 yearly." The
Duchess of Leuchtenberg was elected to preside over the Imperial Academy
of Science, in Russia, a few years ago. An acquaintance told me that in
the warehouses at the London docks, silks, shawls, and such goods are
exposed for sale, and many ladies go down in their carriages and
purchase. If any female is suspected of concealing on her person goods
that she has appropriated in the warehouse, the watchmen who guard the
place remark they would like to detain her for a few minutes, and convey
her to a room, where a woman is in attendance to search her. The present
collector of customs at Philadelphia writes: "The only instance of
employment of women in connection with the custom house here has been,
while Liverpool steamers were coming to this port, some years ago, when
one or two were employed to search female emigrants, to prevent
smuggling on their persons. The employment was only for a day or two at
a time, and is now discontinued." Some time ago it was feared that large
quantities of precious stones and laces were concealed on the persons of
some women, and so smuggled into New York. Consequently "two American
female searchers were inaugurated in the revenue service as aids. They
each receive $500 per annum, and are paid by the month. Men receive
$1,095 (or $3 per day) for similar services. The qualifications needed
are intelligence, tact, and integrity. They spend but one or two hours
on the arrival of each steamer or passenger received from abroad." I
think, in European countries, female police, who examine the persons and
passports of women, receive the same salaries as men.
=14. Lawyers.= We cannot question the right of woman to plead at the
bar, but we doubt whether it would be for her good. She might study law,
to discipline her mind and to store it with useful information. She
might profitably spend, in that way, time which would otherwise be
devoted to music, painting, or the languages. But the noisy scenes now
witnessed in a court room are scarcely compatible with the reserve,
quietude, and gentleness that characterize a woman of refinement.
Theodore Parker said: "As yet, I believe, no woman acts as a lawyer; but
I see no reason why the profession of law might not be followed by women
as well as men. He must be rather an uncommon lawyer who thinks no
feminine head could compete with him. Most lawyers that I have known are
rather mechanics at law than attorneys or scholars at law; and, in the
mechanical part, woman could do as well as man--could be as good a
conveyancer, could follow precedents as carefully, and copy forms as
nicely. I think her presence would mend the manners of the court--of the
bench, not less than of the bar." A lady lawyer would not be without a
precedent, for we read from a note in "Women Artists:" "Christina Pisani
wrote a work which was published in Paris, 1498. It gives an account of
the learned and famous Novella, the daughter of a professor of the law
in the university of Bologna. She devoted herself to the same studies,
and was distinguished for her scholarship. She conducted her father's
cases; and, having as much beauty as learning, was wont to appear in
court veiled." We suppose this is the same young lady of whom we read
elsewhere: "At twenty-six she took the degree of doctor of laws, and
began publicly to expound the laws of Justinian. At thirty she was
elevated to a professor's chair, and taught the law to a crowd of
scholars from all nations. Others of her sex have since filled
professors' chairs in Bologna." While we would not encourage women to
act publicly as counsellors at law, we would claim for them the
privilege of acting as attorneys. Writing out deeds, mortgages, wills,
and indentures, would be a pleasant occupation for such women as are
qualified and fond of sedentary life. We know that the hearts of most
women would prompt them to relieve the poor and oppressed: but might
they not do it in some other way as efficiently as by pleading at the
bar? If the weak seek their aid, let them bestow the benefit of their
legal lore. If the helpless seek their protection, let them bring their
information and counsel to bear upon the case, but not by public
speaking. By personal effort, or by applying to the good of the other
sex, they may accomplish much. If a woman involve herself in the
intricacies of law, may she not lose those tender traits that endear her
to the other sex, and in time discard those graces that render her
gentle and lovely at home? The profession of the law is one suited to
the inclinations, nature, and taste of but very few women. But if a lady
will practise law, she will need great clearness of mind, a good insight
into the motives of others, fearlessness in expressing her convictions
of right, and ability in refraining from saying more than she should.
=15. Lecturers.= Lecturing is addressing people through the sense of
hearing; writing is addressing them through the sense of sight. An
individual can address a larger number by the latter plan than the
former. Many people that would not devote the time, trouble, and expense
to investigate books, will give their twenty-five cents to hear a
lecture on a given subject. Rev. Mr. Higginson says: "We forget that
wonderful people, the Spanish Arabs, among whom women were public
lecturers and secretaries of kings, while Christian Europe was sunk in
darkness." "In Italy, from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century, it
was not esteemed unfeminine for women to give lectures in public to
crowded and admiring audiences. They were freely admitted members of
learned societies, and were consulted by men of preëminent scientific
attainments, as their equals in scholarship." Theodore Parker felt the
importance of public lecturing, and expressed gratification that women
were occupying the field so successfully. In the Female Medical College
of Philadelphia, great attention is given to the study of physiology;
and several graduates from that institution have lectured upon this
subject, one or two of them with great success. It is thought best that
a lecturer upon physiology should be a physician, all the branches of
medical science being so intimately connected, that the separation of
one from the whole is like the dismemberment of the human body,
producing almost the same effect upon the severed member. "The field for
competent female lecturers on physiological subjects is as broad as the
nation, and promises a rich harvest for as many as can possibly be
engaged in it, for the next half century." Dr. Gregory, of the New
England Female Medical College, writes: "Some of the graduates of this
college have lectured to ladies more or less on physiology, hygiene,
&c., and with good success. One in particular has given courses of
lectures, illustrated with the apparatus of the college, to the young
ladies in our four State Normal Schools, with great satisfaction to the
principals and pupils. One of our graduates is resident physician, and
teacher and superintendent of health in the Mount Holyoke Female
Seminary, where there are almost three hundred pupils." Other female
seminaries throughout the country ought to be thus supplied. Among those
who lecture on physiology are Mrs. Fowler, Mrs. Jones, and Mrs. Johnson.
In cities, a number of ladies might deliver lectures in private schools,
academies, and colleges, on physiology and hygiene. Quite a number of
ladies have delivered temperance lectures, and some were employed at one
time by the State Temperance Society of New York. Lecturers of note
receive from $50 to $500 for a single lecture, beside having their
travelling expenses paid. When lecturing on their own responsibility,
the entire proceeds are theirs, save expenses for room, gas, and (in
winter) fuel. Lectures are most generally given before societies, that
pay the lecturer a specified sum. Lucy Stone was paid $263 for her
lectures in Bangor, Maine. Miss Dwight lectured on art, a few years ago,
charging at first ten dollars for a series of six lectures, but
afterward she reduced the price to five dollars.
=16. Librarians.= There is a Woman's Library in New York. The object is
to furnish women--particularly working women, who are not able to
subscribe to other libraries--with a quiet and comfortable place to read
in, during their leisure moments. A lady in Darby, Pennsylvania, attends
a town library that was established in 1785. It has always been kept in
the house of her family, and she has had no occasion to employ
assistance outside of her family. In the Mercantile Library of New York,
two ladies have charge of the reading room. One receives $200, and the
other $250 a year. Lady librarians receive from one third to one half as
much as men. The librarian says they are not physically so capable, and
otherwise not so well qualified. They could always do the lighter work
of a library. They are employed all the year, and spend about eight
hours in the reading room. The secretary of the Apprentice's Library in
Philadelphia writes: "Both our principal librarians are ladies, and we
have two assistants of the same sex. The principals receive $308, and
the assistants $90 each, per annum. The girls' library, in which one of
the principals and the two assistants are employed, is open five
afternoons in the week, from three to four hours each afternoon and
evening. It is only lately we have employed a lady for a librarian for
the boys' department, and we find the change to be a happy one. The boys
are more respectful, more easily managed, and kept in better order than
formerly, and the number of readers has increased." The gentleman who
has charge of the public library in Boston writes: "We employ eleven
American ladies, who do all the work of a library in its various
branches, under the direction of the superintendent, and subject to
revision by him or an able male assistant. Some cover and collate books,
some go from place to place to get books, and some are occupied entirely
with writing and copying catalogues, shelf lists, records, &c. The
ladies are paid $7 per week. Some spend eight and some ten hours in the
library. Much of the labor performed by males is the same as that
performed by females; but in every instance, save one, paid for at
higher rates. Why, I cannot say. The office of superintendent requires
learning and experience. In Boston, the rate of wages for men is higher
than for females. Ladies are paid pretty well here, in comparison with
what they are paid for work elsewhere. Teachers are paid higher than in
other places. A competent person soon learns the duties of a library,
but experience adds to her value. Ladies are employed in preference to
men because they are competent, because it is a good field for female
labor, because they have a good influence on those who transact business
with the library, and, I doubt not, because their work can be had at
less rates than men's. Our schools are graded, and in schools of a given
grade there are divisions. Of course a graduate from the highest
division of the highest grade, other things being equal (that is talent,
&c.), is the person for us. A qualified lady is as good for work as a
qualified man. The work of a librarian cultivates the mind. All
advantages, aside from education, depend upon the taste of the lady
employed. If fond of reading and ambitious to excel, she can, by
faithful application out of library hours, succeed. Three dollars is the
lowest price for which a lady can be comfortably boarded in Boston." "In
the Smithsonian Institute at Washington, a lady is permanently employed
as librarian. She receives a salary of $500 per annum, and is employed
six hours a day. The qualifications needed for the post are reading,
writing, some knowledge of French, German, &c."