Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-09-06

Question of "a Female Doctor in the
Stntc Society Much Affiliated.

sIute society Mucn AVttutfus
The interviews with prominent Rich
mond physicians, printed in yesterdays
Dispatch relative 10 the admission OF
Mrs. Catherine Chinault Runyon. VI. d.,
into the Medical Society OF Virginia,
created widespread interest among not
only the medical profession. but the peo-
pie generally. The question involved Is
an important one in scientific annals
OF the State, and its final settlement Will
be watched with profound eagerness. Dr.
RunyOn Is the first lady physician whose
name ever went before the State Medical
Society for membership. and her prompt
election on Tuesday night last was q
great surprise TO those who were opposed
10 having lady members Of the organiza-
ton.
CARD FROM DIR. CARRINGTON.
DR. Charles V. Darlington yesterday
morning sent the Dispatch the following
card touching an interview with DR..
~ w. Parker upon this question::
In your issue Of to-day you report
Ur. W. w. Parker as saying. when in
tervlewed as 10 his opinion regarding the
admission of Mrs Catherine Chinault
Runyon TO membership in the Medical
Society OF Virginia, as an evidence or
how the Richmond doctors stand upon
this question, the Academy OF Medicine
and Surgery would not admit Mrs. Or.
Runyon, etc.
You are either reporting our good
Doctor wrong or he is unmindful OF
some very recent occurrences In the
meetings OF the Academy Of Medicine and
Surgery. About two months ago, at
regular meeting OF the academy, II was
resolved that Mrs. DR.. Runyon be In
vited to attend every meeting Of tho
academy. and the secretary was Instructed
to notify her by card. as he does al OF
the members. Of the date of meeting
and subject for discussion.
This resolution was carried after much
heated discussion by about nineteen 10
seven or eight. II was recorded vote
As az soon as the vote was Announced
Or Parker babe us all an anectonate
but hasty adleu. and said he would never
enter the academy hall again.
4 CHARTER MEMBER.
NOW Dr. Parker was one OF our cherter
members (our former DrssidenD, and
every body loved the brave, impulsiye.
good man. and sincere regret was felt
and expressed by every one at his nasty
action This meeting referred TO was
on a Tuesday. on the following Friday
or Saturday a special meeting OF the
academy was called, and our resolution
OF Tuesday was reconsAered and tabled
for the present. the whole question be-
ing whether we preferred our good old
ax-presidept. DR.. W. w. Parker, or
Mrs Dr. Runyon. The records bear me
out in these statements. ] love fair play.
ana / don't think this lady is getting IT,"
DIR. PARKER's REPLY.
DR.. Parker last evening said that as
far as DR.. Darlington went he was en-
tireIy correct, but that at subsequent
meeting Of the academy Or II. II. Tay-
lor offered an amendment TO the bylaws
10 the effect that hereafter no resident
member Of the profession mot a mem
Der Of the society. of eorrsel
should be invited 10 take part
an our proceedings, except by four
Gftns vote of the academy. This. he
saws. was the result Of the DR.. Runyon
iuvitation. and forever bars another wo-
mans appearance in the Richmond
| Academy Of Medicine.
CARD FROM a LADY.
The Dispatch also on yesterday re-
ceived the following, which, In some
/ degree, shows the interest the women
/ are taking in this matter:
| To the Editor Of the Dispatch:
The Dispatch Is always true. just. and
"Virgfnian" Therefore ] beg II VIII
L q
! give space 10 few words from an old
fashioned Virginia woman. The DOC
/ tors are angry" Why? Because south
/ ern woman Of intelligence. ability. and
/ high moral character comes among US 10
make a living for herself and orphaned
| children by the practice OF medicine,
| ana wishes 20 be olassei among reputable
nhyslcians, instead OF getting living
/ or a subsistence. by doing needle
/ work. or stenography, or standing beiind
/ the counter OF a dry-goods store. There
same doctors who are mad can't attehd
/ a case OF measles without sending Tor a
trained nurse. II these nurses. IN almost
/ An cases women. can be sent throughout
the land to nurse men as Wen a. "o-
/ MN why cannot an Intelligent woman
uhvsieian prescribe and treat diseases
/ vviihout calling In u man TO heip her
/ T,eoause she Is a woman" IL is not con-
/ .,sdsrea .'yirginisn" 10 allow her TO make
a living among reputable physicians. for
/ The very reason that she Is woman
,r,,rr 20 make an honorable living every
I Virginian. especially the ioc'o-s. snoVii
I ,erS her a helping hand.
/ An OLD-FASHIONED VIRGINIA W.