I have instructed Mr. Gilbert[[89]] to receive the money [for the First Professional Examn.] and give the customary acknowledgments, so that you may be all right with the Dean.
I am bound to call a meeting of Senatus upon a requisition signed by 3 Professors. Secure a day likely to suit your friends. Saturday is not a good day generally, and on Friday 2 or 3 are coming down here to dine,—at least they are asked to do so.
How would Thursday or Monday do?
Yours truly,
John Wilson.”
That afternoon, we are told, there was a “furious row” in the Medical Faculty, and a day or two later each of the women candidates for the First Professional Examination received a copy of the following letter:
“University of Edinburgh,
October 14th, 1871.
Madam,
I am instructed by the Medical Faculty to inform you that your name and your fees have been received in error by the Clerk of the University as a candidate for the first professional examination during the present month, but that the Faculty cannot receive you for such examination without the sanction of the Senatus Academicus.