Page:A short history of nursing - Lavinia L Dock (1920).djvu/197

181 Extensions of Nursing Field i8i but in the early part of the nineteenth century there were Catholic nursing sisterhoods founded in, at least, France and Italy, whose members were occupied in private duty. Among these there was, in France, the order of Sceurs de bon Secours; and, in Italy, the Daughters of St. Anna. Pioneers in private duty in Rome were also the Anglican nursing Sisters, called the Little Company of Mary. We have mentioned in another place the first pri- vate nursing association in England, founded by Mrs. Fry. In early days it was customary for young medi- cal men or students to share private duty in wealthy families. While the Sister watched, the embryo physician was on hand to be called if needed. This custom gave rise to some of the op- position to modem training, as, with a skilled nurse in charge, the young men lost this practice and its fees. The Sisters of religious orders for private duty were of course not paid individually, but the fees were given to their Motherhouse. This was the system followed by the first English and Ger- man training schools, and which still survived up to 191 8, in the London hospital. It is easy to trace this heritage of convent organization, proper enough, where every Sister was assured of a main- tenance for life, and care and support in illness, to