Easter was spent in the Isle of Wight revising the little work on ‘The Laws of Life,’ an English edition of which was brought out by Sampson Low & Co.
During this time the plan of the proposed hospital was being circulated in London.
It was during this visit to England that the important step was taken of placing a woman’s name on the authorised Medical Register of the United Kingdom. Influential friends were desirous of keeping me in England. They presented the various testimonials of English and Continental study given by distinguished physicians and credentials of American practice to the Medical Council. On this council, of which Sir Benjamin Brodie was president, were old friends of the St. Bartholomew’s days. The subject was very carefully considered, and after mature deliberation this just and important concession to qualified women was authorised. I had the satisfaction of being enrolled as a recognised physician of my native land in the Medical Register of January 1, 1859.
To Dr. Emily Blackwell, New York
May 13, 1859.
My letter this week must be rather short, for I am overwhelmed with all sorts of engagements previous to leaving for Birmingham, where I give my first provincial lecture next Monday. I have communicated to our little committee Madame de Noailles’s insistence upon a country site for the hospital, and also the necessity that exists for not abandoning our work in New York until the institutions there are self-supporting. They are very much disappointed by the country condition attached to the hospital; but were I settled in England and working there, it would not discourage them. But all our friends seem to think that as the New York Infirmary is the best argument that can be used for English work, its downfall would be an irreparable misfortune, and they are willing, under the circumstances, to let me go. Indeed, I find it necessary to come to a decision myself, and after carefully weighing everything I have made up my mind to return, at any rate for some time. I can secure any amount of personal interest from various quarters; but as the prospect of speedily realising an institution where we could both work is put farther off, I do not wish to stay under the circumstances....
Edgbaston: May 17,1859.
A letter just received from the Countess de Noailles urges me to begin a sanatorium in the country near New York. She says: ‘As the central hospital already exists in New York, if you will allow me to help in beginning a sanatorium in country air I should be able to realise my idea at once. I think you might obtain some house or farmhouse for the purpose in the course of the autumn or spring. The importance of convalescent hospitals in the country is beginning to be recognised in England; let women be the first to set the example of one in America. I believe that in women’s complaints they are of more importance than in any other, and that in seven cases out of ten the air alone would effect the cure.’ Now I think this is extremely rational and liberal, and we must discuss together how we can do it for her.
To Lady Byron
73 Gloucester Terrace, Hyde Park: June 10, 1859.