What, then, is the result of these investigations?
Briefly this:
That woman is not incapable of equal mental and physical power with man:
That where any inferiority on her part at present exists, it is but as
the inherited result of long ages of misuse of her functions, and of
want of training of her faculties:
That an intelligent education in both directions can repair these
wrongs, and establish her due individuality, and her equal share in
human right and happiness:
“That the principle which regulates the existing social relations
between the two sexes—the legal subordination of one sex to the other—is
wrong in itself and now one of the chief hindrances to human
improvement; and that it ought to be replaced by a principle of perfect
equality, admitting no power or privilege on the one side, nor
disability on the other”—(JOHN STUART MILL, “The Subjection of Women,”
Ch. I.):
And that, as the result of woman’s amended position, the whole human
race will benefit physically and psychically.
Thus much, at least, may be fairly concluded from the “Notes” here
presented; in the gathering together of which scattered rays—thoughts
and experiences from many an observant mind—into one focus, to offer
light and warmth to suffering womanhood and humanity, the main purpose
of this book is accomplished.
_E. E._
_January 1st, 1893._
⁂ _The courtesy of corroborations or elucidations (confidential or
otherwise) of the subject-matter of these Notes is invited by the Author
(care of Mrs. Wolstenholme Elmy, Buxton House, Congleton), with a view
to a possible fuller edition._
INDICES, &c.