This is almost as if _in no case_ would the male physician do more than give advice when the facts were reported to him through the women.
It is nearly so in Turkey to this day. A Pasha wanted advice for his wife from a friend of mine without his seeing her.”
“_Do_ quote Euripides in your Essay,” writes Mrs. Butler. “Never mind if we look a little more learned than we are. Let us spoil the Egyptians.”
“I am sure Mr. Newman _intended_ you to use anything in his letter which you could make available. He is so generously helpful.”
On February 24th, S. J.-B. writes to Dr. Sewall:
“I have written the Essay I spoke of about Medical Women, and I shall send it to you to see in a week or two, as soon as I can get it copied. There are several points on which I want your authority and opinion;—tell me whenever you think I overstate facts or make mistakes—or tell me if you think I might put things _more_ strongly with advantage. Tell me how many instances have occurred of men doctors putting their womankind under _your_ treatment, or that of other women you know,—Dr. B., Dr. C., and J. W.?—any more?
Also anything else that occurs to you generally.
I had a witty letter from Miss Putnam this morning, in which she says how very indifferent it is to her if Mrs. D. chooses to ‘invent Arabian Nights’ tales’ about her. I do hope that you have published her letter,—don’t simply disregard me because I’m across the Atlantic and can’t pinch you! She made me dreadfully envious by saying that she is going in for some months’ work at Operative Surgery, and that it will be ‘very jolly.’ I believe, however that for the summer at any rate I _ought_ to stay with my Mother and try to make her very jolly (poor old darling!) If I can get into any of the Colleges for the winter, that may be another matter, though I am not sure.”
Meanwhile Professor Sidgwick was pursuing his kind and public-spirited enquiries:
I should have written to you before, but I have found it difficult to make up my mind. I now, however, after some hesitation, am inclined to dissuade you from making the attempt. I have not visited any of the Medical Board (as I thought it best, if you did come, that you should find them unprepared), but I have discussed the matter with about ten discreet persons varying in age and position.