CARE OF THE SICK.

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 23, 26 July 1930, Page 21

CARE OF THE SICK.

1 A very high ideal of the profession of nursing is given in the- introductory remarks to Miss M. S. Cochrane's book "Nursing" (Londonj. Geoffrey Bles). The author is matron of Charing Cross hospital. She traces the history of nursing very interestingly, and comes to the present day. Amusing exception is .taken to the 'strict, somewhat military etiquette which is insisted upon as between matrons, "sisters," and mere probationers. Miss Cochrane tells quaintly how when she entered a hospital she met a sister on the stairs, and gave her a "tfood morning," not' knowing that it was quite incorrect for her to speak first. She received «i frigid look of surprise and disdain, almost horror. In her ignorance she wondered if the sister were superstitious about passing on the stairs. The question of uniform is dealt with, with the remark that fortunately fashion is followed to the extent that the skirts are not obliged to trail on the iloors. Tho poorness of the salaries also comes in for mention, and the remark is made that tho hours off duty have not been sufiicicut to preserve tho health in tho degree that is necessary for responsible people like nurses. Miss Cochranc writes, of course, of English conditions. A most interesting account is given of the building up of war organisation, which proved to be wonderfully effectivo as soon as it was really going well. District and private nursing are discussed in a human and sympathetic manner, and an interesting account is given of nursing associations and their übos. The book can be recommended not only to nurses, but to people generally. All can learn much that will be helpful in carrying out the "golden rule" which makes life both happy and profitable. M.H.C.

It is reported at Nice that J\f. Maurice. Maeterlinck, the famous Belgian author, and playwright, has bought for £22,000 tho partially-erected casino at Mount Baron, n suburb of Nk'f.