There were always flashes of humour to temper the various disappointments.
“Those wise men of Gotham at the Eye and Ear think it ‘the kindest and most gentlemanly thing’ to shut us out after all!”
“Dr.[“Dr.] A. ‘not afraid of responsibility, of course’—only—he’d rather not admit us till other people do”!
Here is the official letter from the wise men of Gotham:
“Massachusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary.
June 18th, 1867.
Dear Madam,
The surgeons of this Infirmary are, at the same time, members of the Massachusetts Medical Society, and are bound to respect the opinion of its Councillors. And in view of the recent action of that Board, we are of opinion that we cannot continue to allow female students to attend our cliniques. Ungracious as is the task, we therefore feel compelled to ask you to suspend your visits.
We have no hesitation in adding that our intercourse with yourself and companions has been throughout most pleasant to us personally.
Very truly yours,