Democratic messenger., 1889-11-02

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At the annual meeting Of the assem-
hIy 81 German naturnlists and ply
sicisnz. Professor WaIdeyef delivered
en- eddress upon tho ''Piactice Of Medi-
cino by Women. !" reported In In So
maino Mcdicale for Sept 20, 1883. he
ondeavorcd 10 clear himself from
any accusations IT unfairness or
prejudice by referring In compli-
uenlary terms to the talented
women who taught In the school
of Salernum - 20 Louise Bour.
reois. Marguerite do IN Manchc, Marie
Louise I.achapelle and many others
eminent In the practice Of midwifery.
He also admitted that for many cen
furics the healing art had been IN the
hands Of women and that they had
made valuable contributions TO the
literature Of medicine. He believed
that women should hold position on
level with that OF men. as their func-
tons and attributes were as necessary
10 the existence and maintenance Of
the human species as those Of men,
but that their vocation should be the
rearing and fostering Of children.
This vocation rendered them every.
where and always the equals Of men.
Since the number Of marriages was
diminishing every year they had nee
sSsarily been driven into seeking other
duties. Their entrance into medi-
cine. however desirable il might seem
10 them. ncnaced not only their inter.
csts but those Of humanity at large.
Although their opportunities had been
abundant. they had never advanced
medical science
midwifery, for example, which for
many centuries had been almost cx-
clusively in their hands, had made no
progress until il was taken up by men.
They acquired great manual dexterity
In the ari, but little else. Women had
never many art created n masterpiece; /;
even In music. which seemed properly
10 belong 10 them. they had done
nothing that might ininiortalize a
name. Their presences in colleges de-
voted 10 the instruction Of men was \
hindrance 10 the teachers and students.
In laboratories they were unwelcome.
rs they were awkward and careless,
the smallest difficulty discouraging
them, and the assistants complained
Of women students who besiegcd them
with inquiries upon trivial matters.
Charcet, at whose clinics and lectures
largo number Of women attended.
was quoted as saying that women
thought moro Of themselves than they
did OF humanity; they consented un.
willingly 10 be dresscrs in the hospitals
and 10 carry ont antiseptic treatment
occupations for which they would
appear 10 be well suited. They were
too ambitious and aspired TO the front
rank and to the most prominent po-
sitions.
As nature had barred their way TO
roles which they ought TO iill, Wal
deyer concluded that women doctors
had no future before them and would
never be more than the exception.
Notwithstanding this opinion. hc gave
them credit curiously enough, for
their excellent memories, their close
attention To lectures, and their frc.
quent ability to pass better cxamina-
tons than men. Professor Waldeyer
concluded by stating that If man was
fitted 10 take the initiative for the pro-
duction Of new ideas, IL he had more
sequence in his actions and his plans,
woman, on the other hand, was more
clearly endowed with other qualities
not less precious. Il was therefore in
the interest OF humanity that he wish
cd that medicine might remain in tho
hands OF men.
Notwithstanding Professor Wald-
cyer's attempt TO show his freedom
from bias, his address leaves very
different impression. He seems 10
have forgotten that midwifery was
taken out OF the hands Of women ut a
period when they were regarded rs be-
ing Of low intellectual capacity, were
allowed no educational advantages.
and were made to occupy q very hum
Bile position in affairs. This we be-
lieye was the true cause for the as
sumption Of midwifery by men rather
than any inetiiciency upon the part Of
women. Many will dcmur TO the
statement that in art and in literature
they have accomplished nothing.
Women have certainly during the
past half century produced work
which will last as long as that of most
II not all OF their contemporaries.
No matter how one may feel in this
matter, il is certainly unjust To decide
the question in such an Off hand man
ner. The argumentativc and scnti-
mental power Of this social problem
has passed, and only time can decide
whether women should enter the
medical profession or DO restricted to
the duties OF housewife. This de-
cision can be reached by allowing
them every opportunity 10 fight the
matter 10 successful or unsuccessful
finish. New York Medical journal.