There is, at Madras, an Institution called the Military Female Orphan Asylum, which trains 200 orphan girls, daughters of European soldiers. They enter in infancy, and, as they attain a proper age, they are married to soldiers or others. There is always an abundance of applicants for them, and every endeavour is made to train them to be useful soldiers’ wives. Dr. MacPherson, the excellent Principal Medical Officer of the Turkish Contingent, when at Kertch, who is now in charge of this Asylum, was the person, I believe, who introduced amongst the senior girls, a system of training, to enable them to officiate as nurses, an all-important element in their education. Below is a syllabus of the theoretical branches taught, a practical knowledge being acquired in the Hospital attached to the Institution. It would be well if all women underwent a similar training.
Course of Instruction for the Class of Sick Nurses, at the Military Female Orphan Asylum.
Popular and Regional Anatomy and Physiology.
A general knowledge of the human body, its various organs, and their uses.
Sanitation.
To be made acquainted with every subject relating to health, viz.: Food—Exercise—Clothing—Cleanliness—Ventilation, &c.
Sick-room Management.
Administration of Medicines, Application of Leeches, Lotions, Fomentations, &c. Cleanliness, Darkening of the Apartment, Quietness, &c. Cooking for the Sick. Diet for Infants.