As early as December 6th, 1873, Dr. Anstie had written to her:
“Dear Madam,
I am afraid I do not see my way to any practical plan at present.
“At Westminster it is quite possible that my colleagues would consent to separate classes. But the fatal objection is want of space; and I could not, I feel sure, persuade them to try the experiment of mixed classes.
I fear there is no way, except by the ladies raising money enough to found a school for themselves. In that case I, and I think others, would be willing to go out of our way to afford them teaching. But the difficulties about clinical teaching seem very great.
I will talk the matter over with my colleague, Mr. Cowell, and write to you again....”
“16 Wimpole Street,
Dec. 12th.
Dear Madam,
Three or four days of complete prostration with influenza have prevented me from finding time to talk with Mr. Cowell.