FEMALE MEDICAL SOCIETY.

Otago Witness, Issue 878, 26 September 1868, Page 11

FEMALE MEDICAL SOCIETY.

The fourth annual meeting of the promoters of this society took place on Monday, at St. George's Hall, Regent street ; the Earl of Shaftesbury presiding. Dr. Edmunds, in explaining the objects and proceedings of the society, observed that it had been established for the purpose of promoting the education of women in that branch of the medical profession, which in former times was entrusted to their hands, but which, notwithstanding the duties, were such as they could most thoroughly and properly undertake, had in later years been almost monopolised by men, owing to their cuperior powers of organisation and collegiate education. The report of the society's operations stated that the society had founded an auxiliary medical college to teach women obstetrical science and the necessary branches of medicine ; and its arrangements were framed to supplement the practical instructions already attainable at the lying-in hospitals. During the last year an alliance had been effected between the Female Medical Society and the British Lying-in Hospital, by means of which both institutions would greatly augment their separate spheres of usefulness. The students enrolled at + he college now amounted to 69. Of these a considerable number were already settled m practice as lady midwives, and were succeeding so admirably that amongst a large number of patients whom they had attended not a single death nor any sort of casualty or misfortune had occurred. 21 of these ladies enrolled themselves as obstetrical students during the first two years, and 48 during the last tw© years, and there was every probability that this number of students would continue to increase. Of the 69, 13 were widows, 21 married, and 35 single. There could no longer be any doubt the college would ultimately prove selfsupporting, and also become an important and growing section of the society's work. The time, however, had now arrived when an organisation which was of proved capacity and utility should be consolidated and completed by Royal Charter, or Act of Parliament. The committee, therefore, asked that a special fund of LI, 000 should be established for the purpose of obtaining this boon, and that the balance of the same should be devoted to the foundation of a museum and library in the college. During the last year, the Society's income from donations, subscriptions, and students' fees had amounted to L 521, while the total disbursements had been kept down to L 470. The amount of assets and liabilities showed that the society was in a solvent condition, and when certain unpaid items were received there would be a surplus of nearly L2O; but there was still a charge against the Bociety of LlO7 as the balance still owing of the treasurer's advance, and this it was hoped would soon be liquidated. The report, on the motion of Lord Houghton, seconded by Colonel Pitcairn, was adopted, and resolutions werepa3sed in furtherance of the objects of the society. The chairman, in addressing himself to these, observed that the association was proceeding on a perfectly fair and legitimate principle — viz., the qualifying of females.) to treat the diseases of women and children ; and he was fully assured that their perseverance in the courses they had so | successfully begun would eventually secure a most valuable boon to the community at large. — Sun.