[57]. For modern obstetrics is almost as new a sphere as gynæcology.
[58]. “Story of My Life,” by Marion Sims, p. 299.
It must be said that Dr. Sims was subsequently president of the American Medical Association, at the meeting which received its first woman delegate; and doubtless his influence contributed toward her favorable reception.
[59]. It will be remembered what were the conditions of graduation in New York in 1855.
[60]. “This was the thirtieth operation performed on Anarcha.” (1849.—Sims, loc. cit. p. 246.) 1849, foundation date of American gynæcology, was the date of the year when Elizabeth Blackwell received her diploma.
[61]. Dr. Sims, in his autobiography, complains that he was denounced as a quack by the “conservative” surgeons of New York, some of whom did not hesitate to secretly try to dissuade the ladies from doing anything about the Woman’s Hospital, and urging that the New York Hospital already accomplished every purpose.
Thus whatever is, invariably seeks to strangle in the birth that which is about to be!
[62]. Dr. Zakzrewska’s life has been sketched in outline down to the above date, in a little volume entitled “Practical Illustration of Woman’s Right to Labor,” by Caroline Dall.
[63]. A petition for the emancipation of negro slaves was presented to Congress by a group of Quaker gentlemen, within a few years after the framing of the Constitution.—Van Holst, Constitutional History of America.
[64]. Hannah Richardson and Rebecca White.