Page:The Homes of the New World- Vol. III.djvu/376

Rh dress yourself as a man,” said he, “otherwise it will be quite impossible.”

“I shall not alter even a ribbon on my bonnet!” said she; “do as you will—but your conduct shall be made known. You have seen my certificate; you have no right to refuse me admission.”

Mr. L. was obliged to comply. Elizabeth's womanly dignity and bearing, added to her remarkable knowledge, impressed the professors as well as students of the college. The young woman pursued her studies in peace, protected by her earnestness and scientific knowledge. Having greatly distinguished herself, and won the highest commendation, she left Paris for London, where she gathered fresh laurels, both in medical and chirurgical science. She is at this moment expected back in America, where she intends to be a practising physician. Dr. E. wished me to become acquainted with this young woman—this vigorous soul in a slender and delicate frame—whom he cordially admires, and rejoices over as with paternal pride. He said, speaking of her to me:—

“She is not taller than you, but she would take you under one arm and my daughter under the other, and run up-stairs with you both.”

I should like to see that.

It was now the time of vacation at this institution, which contains already upwards of seventy female students; but the session will soon recommence, and the professor of anatomy, a handsome, agreeable man, was busied in the preparation of a human skeleton.

It seems to me very desirable that this establishment should direct the attention of the female students, or rather that they should themselves direct it, to that portion of medical science which pre-eminently belongs to them. For is there not here, as in all spheres of life, science, arts, and professions, one region which, beyond all others, belongs to woman, by reason of natural