BLACKWELL FAMILY GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE from + to BROWNE (T.L.) ELIZABETH BLACKWELL28 May 1904 58 Porchester Terrace, W. Dearest Friend The [mischief?] of it is, that my power of writing has failed me, & the construction of common words. & I can only get the help of our good Secretary at odd times when she is not needed by Annie or Henry. It is a queer position to be asked for old old Repeal papers - for the Repeal party, & quite lately by that splendid Miss Cobbs - for the especial [memorial?] Dr. Gordon formulated against Brown Liguard so many years ago. When she wrote me that something so offensive had been brought to her that she could not bring it before the Comte. & that it was my business. I need not troubleyou with a history of what took place--you probably knew at the time. But this proof sheet of the devilry to which I referred, opened Miss Cobbe's eyes + I Enclose it. [She brought out]. I also enclose a leaflet which Miss Cobbe immediately sent me. You must not forget that the original evil of the Medical Profession was registered in that extraordinary old Medical book, written by the Court Physician of the time, over 250 years ago, where a note stated that the physicians had agreed not to enter into that subject. You, the leading lady doctor, with such courage told the truth in your "Human Element," + the printed notices, I enclose, will be immensely useful. A young lady doctor to my horror said to me you were so old-fashioned, so you see the danger. It is the Crucifixion of Christwithout adding more. I will first send these papers which you may keep, but your work is not done. Good bye. God bless you. Lady doctors were never [more] in such need of teaching as now + you must pass on the theories you have established. Notice also if you don't take in "the Pioneer" in the April issue, medical students are giving what is called "a frank word." Yours ever T. L. Browne Rock House Exmouth Place Hastings 12th April '97 Dear Mrs. Browne-- You will be glad to know that we had a small, but very intelligent gathering on Saturday--education. the Church--the Army--the medical professions were all represented. It was strictly private for my plans are very far-reaching, and I want to have it well considered before being spoken of--my wish is to form a Total Abstinse Branch of the Federation; + for the purpose of discouraging promiscuous intercourse, and promoting industrial occupations in the --Army! I don't know whether the Federation will help, --or what help I shall get, But I shall try. This is the line I shall take when I meet my medical Sisters on the 27th. By the by, when you wrote of offering a prize for a proof, by Scientific men, that fornication could not be made safe. Did you mean fornication or promiscuous intercourse? --because they have a different meaning. It can be proved scientifically of the latter, but not of all forms of the former. Hoping Country rest is doing you much good. Yours affectionately, E. Blackwell. P.S. I too, quite agree with Jane Eyre!July 24, 1901 Dear Mr. Browne, Dr. Mary Wood Allen, from all I know, is genuine and thoroughly in earnest, but when she sent me the tract --"What a young child should know"--I was obliged to tell her that I did not think her method of instruction would suit us over here. This particular tract imagines a child's curiosity in observing the growth of its' Mother's pregnancy--and endeavours to satisfy it by a very sentimental dwelling up on the details of pregnancy. But I told her that was not the way to meet any curiosity a child might possibly evince, by dwelling upon the subject. It was better to turn the child's attention to some thing else--simply saying it was an important matter, but too difficult for them to understand at present. That tract was the only one of the series I have seen. But I entirely object to dwelling sentimentally upon the subject of sex, at any age. Whether it be bad habits formed by a child;--or the advent of puberty;-- or the relations of marriage;-- the habit of sentimentalising about it; is to me very repugnant. Call a spade, a spade, if you have to speak about it not say, that it is a wonderfully ingenious and beautiful invention for preparing the ground for the planting and [and] growth and development of seeds which will swell and burst under the warmth and genial influence of the soil and rain and sunshine into an abundant harvest for the blessing of the human race &c &c -- Mrs Allens method seems to me very "American", but neither scientific, nor honestly practical; and I don't think the S. P. Alliance would be judicious to advertise her works, unless the other numbers of the series are very different from the specimen I have seen. But I must not let my letter simply answer--your postscript. I am very glad to hear that it's likely that Miss Nordan may take an interest in the Leigh Browne Trust. She ought to become a Trustee andas Dr Jane Walker is her physician, that should bean excellent opening to stir up her interest in the L. B. Trust. About my hand - I am really following out the line of treatment laid down by Dr Hood, which DE.R Mansell entirely sanctions. The latter comes in every Thursday, to see how I am progressing; and have a little chat. - one values a friendly and intelligent man! The weather is charming. I really dont remember so beautiful a spring or early summer! What little change shall you make this year? Comfortable as your delightful house is, yet I think it is well to make a short break, and return refreshed, to winter work. I hope that dear Mary Statement [By JLB] This is many years old 1904 How the double standard of morality owes its existence to the medical profession; & the consequences thereof. A generation ago, women were supposed not to know anything of their own creation or the laws of life; and if they were in pure homes & had not been contaminated by the visions, of either sex, they knew nothing of evil and suspected nothing. And it would have been considered immodest to touch on the vital question of sex. The first blow which came to my moral nature was a statement, a very high-minded Lady relative made to me: i.e. "That we must not inquire into the character of men, before marriage. Ignorant as I was, my instinct revolted against this statement. And I thought that if this were true, what could have been the characters of my Father and other of my male relatives? Of whose characters, I had never heard or seen anything to their disadvantage & who were looked upon as highly honourable men. An incident soon occurred, which made this matter clearer to me. At a large evening party, I met a gentleman, who appeared very civil to me. On my return home, a servant, who had been brought up on our family, asked me if this gentleman was at this party & further said "he was the ruin of my poor cousin" -whose affections he had won- had seduced, & whose child (a boy) was being kept by some of her relations. The father entirely ignoring the child, & the girl, in shame, had gone to the neighbouring city & they knew not where she was. So I thought to myself, this is the meaning of what men do & what they could not be questioned about. Being entirely ignorant of physiological facts, I wasable to look him in the face, the next time I saw him & cut him dead. After this revelation, I should never have married anyone whose character could not bear the strictest investigation; & felt precisely as I believe men feel, under the same circumstances. Later, I found that mature women had been given physiological reasons to justify the double standard of morality; and I thought, if these reasons were correct, then God was not a good God, to make laws impossible to keep. But I believed that "God was good, tho' every man a liar." And if I knew [the] physiology, (of which I was profoundly ignorant) I should find that God was justified in His creation. And that the possession of pure love would make vice impossible. Several years ago, when I had passed middle life, there came into my possession, with other books, an old medical book - with diagrams - & in turning to the part dealing with [women]sex, [was a] I found a note to the effect that, as a profession, medical men had conspired to ignore the subject? It is now long ago, since I saw the book.. [(which is still in my possession)] so I quote from memory. -xIt may have been about 8 or 9 years ago, when, calling upon Dr Elizabeth Blackwell, she put int my hands a M.S. she had written on this subject, and there I found the question solved, which really underlies Christian morality. Dr E.B. [She] told me it was unlikely she could get a publisher for it- so we agreed it should be printed, for the Medical profession. When it came from the press, I sent a copy to my medical advisor [?] & asked if he could help to circulate [it] this pamphlet. He called on me immediately afterwards & said- that it was as good as his position was worth to circulate it-He did not dare to do so. That every word of it was true, and no one could have written it better. On the right Education of Men, on this most vital point, rests the destruction of the trade of prostitution. The Ministers of Christ who ignore the morals of Chirst, and the medical profession, who [which] evade the training of their own sex, in matters of such supreme importance, are answerable for a vast amount of the corruption which is undermining our national health & honour, more especially. The observing [the] andconfusing the moral consciousness of the protected Women of their own class. T.L. Browne58 Porchester Terrace W. Feb 14th 1904 Dear old Friend You would hardly believe in what a wilderness I am with all the various subjects of the old Mr Bell, calling for help. For months ago a petition from the C.D.A Repeal Work for old papers - I may have, & I in a more helpless condition than I have ever been, to meet all this. I have however had two interviews lately with old faithful Workers, which has steaded the nerves of my suffering heart - & I spend this little strength remaining to me - in quiet work, & as I believe not valueless. The point I aim at is, to reverse the dictum of the Medical Profession of the justification of the double standard of morality, wch makes your Human Element - so needful.in turning over a simple rummage of papers. I come across a personal scrap of my own, which does not seem to me useless - It was unfinished - It was written many years ago. I know Mothers did not know how to communicate the truth to their children - who marry in ignorance - & why afterwards they pray for Daughters! & try but without success to train their sons in chastity - & so very very often fail, & so is introduced the Devil & all his works. On Friday last the Minister of Little Portland Street called on me. (I had never seen him but once before. He was lamenting the horrible condition of the neighbourhood of the old Chapel of St Martineau. I told him my opinion of the Medical Profession. He capped it by saying that where he came from a pure Home (in the north I think) he had young men friends coming from equally pure Houses for the medical [same] professions. First they fainted at sight of an operation Then they thought they must harden themselves - & so went in for the rough & low life of Medical Students! He seemed grieved & gave me a dreadful experience of a beloved Sister in a Hospital - who died under a operation. The Doctors - shuffling the cause of death Can we wonder when power is put into the hands of the most morally depraved of Mankind. I cannot write more. Yours very aff J.L. BrowneRock House Exmouth Place, Hastings. May 17th, 1903. Dear Mrs Browne, I wonder if it will be quite convenient for you to receive me and Miss Barry for one night, on Monday May 25th? I hope to go to London on that day, in order to attend the meeting for the "Abolition of State Regulated Vice" (International) which I understand, is to be held on that day in George St. Hanover Square. But I hesitate about going to you, at a time when you are so much absorbed by Mary's marriage, so I beg you very earnestly to say "No", of our coming to you, will be at all inconvenient, or add in any way to domestic perplexities, as I can make other arrangements, without difficulty. So pray tell me without any hesitation, if you would find our coming to you for one night would add a feather's weight to your cares. My old friend Mme Schmahl (formerly Miss Elizabeth Archer) writes me that she is coming to England, to attend this Conference and she looks forward with much pleasure to shaking hands with me once more. Hoping that the weather will be propitious, and that the Conference will be in every way successful. Yours as ever dear Mrs Browne E. Blackwell. P.S. We have spoken to Dr. Lucille Leslie and given her papers about the Leigh Browne Trust, and she is coming on Tuesday of this week to confer with us on the subject; so possibly I may bring up good news of a new and useful member of the Trust.April 25th 1903. Dear Mrs Browne, Yours of the 24th has just reached and I write at once to let you know how strongly I sympathise with you in the anxiety you must have been suffering during the past eleven weeks. But I think I can understand the necessities of Mary's nature which have led her to take the step to which your letter refers. There is evidently a strong spiritual attraction in the two natures; and at Mary's age, and with her experience of life there may be years of legitimate happiness in store for her with the partner whom she has now chosen. Most heartily I hope that this may be the case; and I trust that as Lady Lockyer, with her keen interest in her husband's work, she may be as happy as she was as Mrs Brodhurst Pray give her my hearty good wishes, and believe me as ever affectionately yours, E. Blackwell.Oct 23rd, 1902. Dear Mrs Browne, I suppose that you are now safely returned to Porchester Terrace and settled for the winter in your comfortable home. Pray let Edith write a card to say that all is well with you; for I want to keep in touch with my old comrade of past campaigns. I am happy to say that Kitty's small god-daughter little Susan Harvey has returned to her parents at Salisbury. Kitty escorted her and her in the d'Ernest to waterloo station to see them safely in the train for Salisbury. I really could not have imagined, until this months' experience enlightened me how completely, a clever, but spoiled only child of about five years old could dominate and disarrange a small household! We are all well in Little Rock House. Our two excellent servants do their best to make us comfortable. We have good news from our family across the ocean; and we are all settling down for winter work. Yesterday I attended the 4th afternoon lecture of a course of 12 lectures on Famous Cities, which my friend Chip Jebb has given much time and care in arranging. These lecture are very interesting and well attended and make a pleasant break in the monotony of household life. We scan the daily journals with deep interest. What important events in our national history are taking place. The South African War with its far reaching influences; the condition of Ireland; the Education Bill will all the different questions involved - but I dare not begin to enumerate all the intensely interesting events of these stirring times. How I wish I could occasion -ally step in, and compare notes with you, upon them - but I must stop, only hoping that you are well enough to interest yourself in them. As ever dear Mrs Browne Affectly yours E. Blackwell.P.S. Appeals for help come in and puzzle me much. It is not much that I can do, in response, but I do desire to do that little wisely! ROCK HOUSE, EXMOUTH PLACE, HASTINGS. Aug: 12. 1902. Dear. Mrs. Browne, I have just been considering the volumes of Essays which reached me soon after my return home, and it seems to me that I have made a mistake in letting them be bound in two volumes instead of in one. It seems to me a little presumptuous to bring them out in two volumes; and it seems to me that it would be easier and cheaper to circulate one volume than two. So I have writtenMr. Bell, to ask his opinion, but I suppose that the printed sheets are now all put up and bound, so I must accept the consequences of my error. I am beginning to pull myself together after my tear through Scotland and fall into our customary home life. But I am thankful that the present abnormally chilly weather did not set in, until after my return home; but you are not so chilly a person as I am, and so I hope that you don't feel it as cold as I do. Indeed I have lighted a little fire in our library, and feel it quite comfortable! We are anxiously awaiting a letter from my family party to tell us how they are getting on, for I fear that they are rushing about too hastily, as they plan to "do" Paris and Switzerland, and return by the Ivernia to America on September 2nd!! Adieu dear friend till we meet. Affectly yours Elizabeth Blackwell.[*to Dr Elizabeth Browne T.L. *] 58, Porchester Terrace, W. 7th July 02 Dear Friend My girls are overwhelmed between social & housewife requirements, giving me at the same time thoughtful over looking. Much time being spent in seeking a suitable retreat, which is most difficult to find within the margin I consider it right to go. The charges being more exorbitant than ever. I never had more openings for moral work than now - & never was more let alone to do it single handed than now. I thought the "specimens" Mr Bell mentioned - were not quite finished binding, and, yet to be done, & one - or two? Values were yet to comeso I have kept your lists - thinking they were a first instalment - & not yet having been able to make a list of the many people to whom I should like to send them - with a note Should the advent of your works not go to publishers for advertisement? As the other works? Forthcoming works? or should it wait until the new Christmas books are advertised? All this - & other plans - Mr Bell could advise upon, but it would need paid help to him. I am far too incapable to undertake this direction. I may get a little better after being away. I am observing with pain, the weakening powers of some of our old faithful workers. I have been trying to get some one to write a paper about Medical Women - from your Womans Journal. I enclose the response of Miss A Walker. Miss Jeff asked me to try & get Social Purity papers - in the Unitarian Society. Just what I have been doing, for a long long time. I had a long interviewed with the Hammonds last week. The L.V.A. needs to bereviewed & revised. The want of so & the poorly is lamentable I said, to Mr. Hammond that I thought the Ministers were afraid of me - & he said he thought that was about it - yet they respected me! But I cannot put the position clearly before [?] only some of our oldest & most admirable Ministers - are silent now & the respectable unmoral folk, our friends! The subject goes by on the other side. Yesterday Mrs Henry Lee, widow of a good T near here & made a long call. She is an A.V. worker. and so disgusted with Coleridge - & how they have been acting - that she retired. She did notthat at all pleasantly of Bell. Of course I said nothing about him, but there seems to have been so much double mindedness in that Society - that no wonder they have made a hash of it. I often wondered how he could remain a Chairman - as it was always perfectly clear to me that he could wink at what I could not. Papers are being sent to me very often - the last from Mrs. Norma Laird - Altogether there seems to me a smash up - & what will come out of it remains to be seen. The new Shield is most interesting - & awful Your loving friend T L BrownePS I hardly like to send you this incoherent letter - but it is the best I can do. You will be glad to know that Edith is so good to me - and for my suffering - very capable. I could well emply a Secretary a few hours a day, and Anna has been pressing two or three wanting work - but I can never be sure when I am able to guide them - and I already paying much for other secretaries work - & there is no limit - & not as formerly - gratuitous help. T L B Rock House, Exmouth Place Hastings. April 24. 1902. Dear Mrs Browne, I am so glad that you approve my message to the Edinburgh lady students; but as the communication is not to appear in their student magazine until the end of June, any copies that you like to make of my communication to them, must be kept strictly private for a couple of months. In fact, I think it would be safer not to let a copy go out of your hands until June, as it must not forestall the magazine. You will be glad to know that the authorities of the "New Hospital for Women" are about to apply to Mr Bell (as Chairman) for a grant from The Leigh Browne Trust for their pathological department. A small donation will probably be given, if they observe strictly the conditions which are laid downby the Trust. These conditions were clearly formulated by Dr. Appel, and will be considered also by Dr. Creighton. So I think that very good mission any work will be accomplished in an important field of womans' work, by your raise trust; for as you wisely say "Vivisection is in many quarters linked with licensed Vise - Materialism being the badge of all their Tribes"! I enclose one of Dr. Leslie's Circulars just received. You will be interested in the success of our first active lady doctor in Hastings who we hope will be a judicious advocate of all good causes. I am much grieved to hear of you Eczema. As ever affectly yours E. Blackwell1902 Aprl 24 Dr EB to Mr. Th Browne Message to Edinburgh lady students L.B. Trust grant for new Hosp free men Dr Leslie - 1st lady Dr in Hastings Dr Appel Dr Creighton[*1902.*] 58, Porchester Terrace, W. 6 April 1902 Dear Friend, Without a secretary at hand, or the ability to direct her if I had one, I am floored completely - & I get simply persecuted with appeals - & am altogether bewildered. I quite overlooked yesterday to send you what I should have done, but I want a real office - & office arrangements to do what is before me. I send it now, & think I advised Miss Appel to consult Mr Coate about the "many and right methods" & here is his reply. So if you think fit, perhaps it would be well to send to America what Mr. Coate says - when you send the book - In the faceof all the splendid work of Mr Coate - No 17 Portland Place - was not so long ago, a brothel for the Aristocracy! conveniently near the most fashionable quarter, & of course when found out it was shuffled away. I asked a friend of mine how it was that the owner, (a lady), accepted such a tenant - & she told me that the tenant was the French Embassy! How could she suspect? Now the practical way to meet such things would be that no known disreputable woman should be allowed to land - or any known disreputable man such as the King of the Belgians. Corrupt France has corrupted England & corrupted English men for to France to enjoy a lower share of vileness than has yet taken root in England. You will say "This is wild speaking." but the taint of regulation - has crushed out Womanhood -, & has left just refaction. Annie & Mary went yesterday to Sidmouth - for a few days, & I am "I am-all-alone" - but I enjoy the peacefulness. I dread the next few months - for Annie is over head & ears in work, & I dread the end of it all. That wretched Coleridge has put every one on the war path - He is wonderfully like Chamberlain - He still sends to me! I cannot think how Bell, & Budoe can be led by such a bully - as he is, & one so double minded. Your loving old friend T. L. Browne58, Porchester Terrace, W. 5 April 1902 Dear Friend I looked in vain in the box I dedicated to your works - for "Many & right Methods" - & not finding it, wrote to Miss Appel who had a copy - which I now send to you. I do not know how she came to have it, seeing that one would have thought it would be in the hands of the printer - for the whole, or parts to be republished! I have just glanced into it again, & am struck by the need of our English experience of the history of the rise & fall of the iniquitous C D Acts in England They crept in under the cover of Fraud. It was found out by that good Man Daniel Cooperwho had many Rescue Houses, but found that women coming from certain Districts, could not be reclaimed. Then a few Ladies went to Plymouth & found in the Hospital, cells for recalcitrant women! Doubtless you know all about it that dreadful Berkely Hill had prepared a pamphlet for his lady friends - misleading them altogether which his sister sent me - & to which I responded by saying "They had better burn their Bibles, & turn their places of Worship into Brothels!" I asked afterward for another copy of this pamphlet - but there were none to be had!! [But] And then she said, Ah! when we get Women Doctors! And I never forgot this - & have feared that some Women Doctors would be found for this work of corruption - for if such excellent Women as the Miss Hills, could be so wanting in Womenly instinct what could be expected of those who knew what it meant, & now, this depth of iniquity seems to be founded by that She (I will not call her a Woman) Dr Hacker - and all I can say is that she ranks lower in the scale of Creation than any Prostitute - or the Procuress of Prostitutes - & how it can be written about so calmly puzzles me. There must be a terrible retribution in store for such Devilries.but I am ill able to write at all, & must close this at once. Annie is going off today to Lidmouth for a week, & Mary with her for a few days. Of course this pamphlet should not be let to go out of print, & there was another pamphlet I think Mr. Bell said was no longer needed but I know it is needed never more than now, so I would quite think to continue to keep them up separately, would be wise. Recollect you were in advance of the time. Your lovingly Th Browne Rock House Friday Apr 7 1902 Dear Mr. Browne Your letter has just come, and you will be receiving at the same time, mine referring to Annie. Thank you for your kind thoughts of inviting me to lovely Haslemere, but it would have been impossible to accept as Kitty leaves me next week to visit a friend in Swanage, and we cannot leave at the same time, and early in August I go to London for a few days, as I must watch what is being done at "The Informational Congress of Psychological Experiment" which I look upon with the utmost suspicion! Your former note referred to Miss Lord and Miss Walker's bondof Union." I have not a notion as to what is it, or purposes. I suppose it is aspiration, which now so often longs to shape itself into action, but does not know how to do it. They are excellent women, but I am sorry the M. Ball has lost them. I too am thinking of a bond Union, but of quite a different character. I had meant to tell you about it rather than write but there seems little chance of immediate meeting, so I must use the unsatisfactory pen. I notice two currents of thought of much importance. The first is a very wide spread and growing disbelief or uncertainty about a future life. I probably realise this more than you do because my doctorship brings me so much in contact with such numbers of young people who are throwing off religious beliefs - and scientific people who have long done so. Yet a thorough conviction of the reality of continued existence, and the necessary effect at character must have upon that future life, is really of tremendous practical importance. So I think that any experimental tests that a reverent fore sight can devise, to enlighten and strengthen the instinctive belief of Humanity by facts, and gradually accumulated experience, is not only a legitimate but a very important effort. Again there are such strange and even wonderful occurrences accumulating in both hemispheres, and such an awakening of human intelligence, and womanly effort in our age, that I cannot but think that the barrier between the two lines, in its hitherto impenetrable mystery, is gradually breaking down; and as we are able wisely to use more knowledge of the future, it will be allowed to us, to discover it. I am therefore considering verycarefully in what way, and by what carefully pre-arranged "efforts," those of us, who are likely in the near future, to pass in to the other life, can give proofs of their continued activity and interest, to those who are left behind. This appears to me to be a plan of religious experi- mentation, not only in Providential accordance with the Divine unfolding of human intelligence, but a noble and wise way of helping forward our human developement. I and two other friends have deter- mined to give careful thought to this work. But it requires very close and earnest thought. One gentleman has sent me very interesting suggestions; But I am pondering this matter over in my wimish thought, and am not yet prepared to accept or suggest any fixed course of actions. Rock House, Exmouth Place, Hastings. Dec: 14. 1901 Dear Mr Browne It seems a long time since I heard of your welfare - for I hope that all is well with you - but I want to keep in touch with old friends - and comrades- so pray let Edith send one a line to say that all is well, and that Christmas will be a cheerful season with you. All is well at little Rock House. We cultivate relations with our poorer neighbors and try to put a little brightness into their hard working lives. Have you seen any notice of "The Garden City" meeting? That project interests me much; and I think that Ebenezer Howard's book "Tomorrow" would interest you. The advocacy of true Principles - of living, seems to me more interesting than anything else, in thisshort earthly life of ours; and certainly advancement of true noble co-operation is one of the most useful efforts in which we can now engage. The drawing people back to the land, under healthy conditions is a most important work, and it seems to me all the more necessary now, as we are killing off so many of our men - and our little Island itself, seems lovely but gradually disappearing in the Sea!! But I must not attempt to, write, of such interesting topics - only let me know, by a line from Edith, if writing become a burden to you, that you are well, interested in all the subjects that we can advance - and not involved in too many anxieties, personal or otherwise. The sun is shining out hopefully after much storm and rain. So I will hail it as a good omen, for our small and great affairs. Ever your old comrade E. Blackwell Nov. 5. 1901 Dear Mr. Browne Just a line of hearty greeting to you, on this bright Autumn morning. I came across a number of the enclosed leaflet, which I had printed long ago. I enclose a copy. It is just as much needed now, when we are killing off such numbers of our men! I am collecting (as you desired) my various writings. But it is a longer work to do this, than I supposed, for many of them are scattered and hidden in the multitudes of "possessions" that accumulate in the course of the years. But "Labor omnia [vinset?]", so I am working on. As ever, affectionately yours Elizabeth BlackwellRock House Oct 16. 1901 Dear Mr. Browne I return the enclosure sent by mistake, at once, lest it should be wanted. I am very sorry that travelling so completely tires you. It would be such a pleasure to urge you to come down here - your neighborhood would be such a blessing to me, but I dare not suggest it. Don't hesitate to consult Dr. MacDonald, for she is a sensible experienced woman and her re-assurance is worth the "trouble" of consultation. I am grieved to hear of good Miss Cobbe's serious state of health. She will indeed be a serious loss to our generation; but she has made her mark (a very noble one) which will remain, when her present personality has disappeared. What a noble resurrection her's will be, when she enters the higher realm of "Causation." But do try, dear friend, to realise that there is no Death, only change to a higher state of influence which the noble "departed" one, will be taught, how to exercise, under changed conditions. I don't wonder that you feel submerged in papers &c! I look with a sort of despair at the accumulations, which I dare not to destroy wholesale. So I give a limited time to this work, and then walk, or sometimes drive, or read a good story!! With much love, Very sincerely yours E. Blackwell Oct 23rd 1901 Dear Mr. Browne I answer your last letter at once, and categorically! I. Referring to past diaries, I can at once fill in the missing date - which I do; and return the letter. II. I don't remember anything about the "package of Reports" referred to, so that must be passed by. III. The pamphlet "Medicine and Morality" could be profitably revised, by drawing a line through the first page, and through the first paragraph in the second page. The rest of the pamphlet can stand, but I do not feel inclined to re-print it.I have not seen Rev Estlin Carpenter's address, nor the [Cart?] Pioneer, so I cannot criticise them; but I am disposed to let every one do his little best, and trust to the final result, for Good stronger than Evil, in the long run! Dear friend, excuse my short letter - and take life hopefully. I wish I could relieve your physical pains, but growing old is always a physical surprise! We can only forget it, as far as possible - and I try to keep busy, and am planning some lectures for Hastings!! With constant affection as ever, Yours very sincerely E. Blackwell58, Porchester Terrace, W. 10 July 1901 Dear dear Friend I have not your last note at hand, & cannot look for it. You say you will be in London on 22nd - that is, next Monday week when you start on your travels - and will not put up at your old quarters! When I know your hours - I will send our Carriage to fetch you from, and take you back to your hotel - so that we can have a nice little time together, with as little fatigue to you as may be.You will like to see The enclosed letter - which please burn, when read. I have also a very pleasant note from Mr Bell, who is much pleased with a present I have just sent him. I am now going to find something for Mr Sharpe, and so shall inaugurate the new Era. with faith & hope. I have found a packet of your old pamphlet. X What a useful paper it would be, if instead of starting with a Controversary now 20 years old. It opened at page 4. Also your uncertainty about [Valecinadein?] is surely more certain now, by Dr. Crey Wlerr's Leadership on that question - X notes on these points would be worth considering. I have nothing very satisfactory to record at Home. - A new trouble of excema has developed with me, which hinders the possibilities of X leaving home, & disturbs rest. And I am older in many ways than when we parted, but for all that, I am calmer in spirits. I see distinctly that Annie's over work istelling upon her and I can in no way avert it. But she is God's child. I have been to 3 concerts under Mary's wing & am today going to one at her house she is giving on behalf of an Artist who wants a push. Again, looking in, sends you the enclosed cuttings. I "pray without ceasing" for your always. It is purely selfish for I cannot afford to lose you. Yours lovingly Th BrowneRock House April 19th 1901 Dear Mr Browne, I do hope that you have been able to utilise this beautiful weather in taking the little "change" that you need, and that your last letter seemed to indicate. The delay in the advent of spring, has made the country all the more beautiful when it at last bursts forth in bud and blossom! I have entered upon a revision of my writings - but am rather shocked to I am still looking longingly to "The Hielands" and shall hope to make a trip to that inspiring region, later.find that ever since 1852 I have been contributing to the awful accumulation of "literature," which threatens to over whelm us with a second deluge! For I have just discovered an early work - "Laws of Life" - which bears that date, and is really a sort of introduction to everything I have since written. However I have faith that having "cast my bread upon the waters," it has done its work, and it is not necessary to gather it up again. Our household is made cheerful during the Easter holidays by the charming presence of Kitty's little granddaughter who is spending the time with us and assures us that "She does like this home!" to the great satisfaction of the household; and Kitty's real pleasure, for one walks out daily with little Susan and the nurse and thoroughly enjoys watching the awakening intelligence of a thoroughly healthy affectionate child. But this terrible War, seems to ever shadow every thing - and until it is hopefully settled, I can hardly give my mind to the active consideration of those social questions which we have so long been absorbed by. But I am struck by a hopeful suggestion in today's Chronicle, viz; that Government (or the people) shall help the families, of the "Reservists" who have gone out to S. Africa in such large numbers, to settle there, and thus create a really loyal and Christian population. This seems to me an opening that we might help. But I stop, for this is something to talk, not write, about. I have just received a most urgent invitation to take part in in the Pensylvania jubilee of the Woman Medical College there! Affectly yr, E. Blackwell Rock House July 1st 1900 Dear Mr. Browne, I am meditating the rather bold proceeding of taking a trip to Scotland this summer, as my dear sister Dr Emily, and also her adopted daughter, wish to meet me there! Miss Barry quite enjoys planning the journey so as to make it as easy, and as enjoyable a journey as possible to me; and she hopes to be ready to leave Hastings on July 22nd, reaching Kern in a couple of days; with the little household here in safe keeping until we return. Kitty greatly hopes that the sojourn in the Western Highlands will so invigorate me that I may be able to add to my "Pioneer Work" a full concluding chapter of the last 25 years, which have elapsed since I wrote the little work. Kitty's particularly anxious that I should write this account myself, because she has just heard from America, that a former student of my own, has announced her intention of doing this very thing. But she is a woman physician whom Kitty both dislikes and distrusts, and she feelsindignant that any account of me shall be published in America, written by a person whom she considers incapable of understanding the scope of my life work. You see Kitty is an enthusiast about her Doctor, and will not allow one whom she considers a "stranger" to intermeddle! Kitty's keen appreciation and loyalty to me is very grateful to me. But whether I can do what she so ardently wishes is a question. However we are really carefully thinking over our plans - and it looks really as if we should possibly starts on this somewhat experimental trip on the 22nd of July! Wasn't it Moses, who went up into a high mountain, and was never heard of again? But I shall really be very glad if I can so be invigorate myself as to make a suitable resume of the last eventful 25 years. So remember me, dear friend, in you prayers! It seems a long time since I saw you, or heard directly from you. Dear Annie is very good in answering my questions about Mr. [Widegren?] &c. What an active devoted nature her's is! I do admire, and sympathise with her very keenly and I long to know that life is still full of interest and hope to you. Ever affectionately yours. E. Blackwell Rock House March 14 1900 Dear Mr. Browne, I accept your affectionate scolding! and will try and remember that I have entered upon my eightieth year, and can no longer initiate and stimulate new and useful work, as I have hitherto done. But the first step I should like to take as the result of their new perception, would be to hand over the administration of the Leigh Browne Trust to Messrs Bell and Salt as the representatives of the Humanitarian League! Dr Creighton (in reference to the Paget vivisection pamphlet) says "If Mr Salt and Mr Ernest Bell were given the means, they would have no difficulty in getting the answer written; and it would be done under the proper auspices, if done by the Humanitarian League. I hope this very material addition to their sinews of war will be made soon, so that no more time be wasted by the money lying idle." Shall we not at once write Mr Bell that the accumulated interest of the Trust may be used for the purpose of answering Paget's fallacious pamphlet, and also farther use of our income, if necessary, for active warfare? Stephen Paget I believe to be one of the sons of my old Professor, Sir James. Two other sons are in the "Church." But the father was not a vivisector, but a very humane man. I quite agree with you that a Leigh Browne Scholarship for the encouragement of "true" science would be a good and legitimate work, and it might be managed by the HumanitarianLeague. Messrs Bell & Salh might be consulted about this! But dear Mr Brown, remember that I, am an octogenarian!! I am so glad that you have read, and appreciated, "The New Evangelism" - to me, it has been a real spiritual refreshment, supply by that good which we so much need, but cannot find in any of the so called religious organizations. I am reading [Draueruend's] Life - what a charming personality, why did he die so young? You will be glad to know that I am gradually working through the [Infamous?] Affectly yours E. Blackwell. ROCK HOUSE, HASTINGS. Nov. 13. / 99. Dear Mr. Browne, I am a little puzzled by an urgent appeal for increased subscriptions sent by a paper signed by Mrs Butler and Ms Stuart - but giving no other names of any other persons as re- sponsible for the management of the large sums asked for, except these two valued, old, friends - one in failing health, and the other immersed in political affairs! There are such endless demands for subscriptions - that one wants to feel assured, that the little one can give, is used in the wisest possible way. Do you feel thus assured?I have been myself much occupied in careful distribution of my "Responsibility and the C.D. Act," and "Erroneous Method in Medical Education" to Military and Medical people; and I have almost used up my stock. Both Longman & Churchill refuse to re-print for me, as my writings are not profitable, so I shall reprint at my own expence, as I have testimony that this steady quiet method of doctrination is really of service - but it cripples work in one's other subscription direction - so I am a little puzzled about Mr. Butler's appeal. How are you, dear friend, in the midst of national and international unrest! Is the home centre peaceful. I had written so far, when your letter came in, and it shews me that you are up and doing - only don't over do! At the same time comes a letter from Dr. Amy Sheppard, mentioning a meeting at the Handal St School, that I ought to attend. So I will run up to London next Friday morning (17th inst) and sleep at Porchester Terraceunless you write me that your rooms are full — otherwise I shall understand that you can take me in. I will bring up with me a supply of "Erroneous Method" – but I have not written anything under the title of Sex Injustice — Hammond must be thinking of "Medical Responsibility in Relation to the C. D. Acts" which is out of print; I having been distributing it myself as stated. No more dear friend, & I shall soon see you. Affectly E. Blackwell.6 March 94 Dear Mrs Browne- Thanks to the most kind hospitality of your carriage, I was able to do an amount of work before I reached home at 8'o clock, that may interest you. I saw poor young Bertram Richardson, and shared his sorrow of seeing the familiar rooms dismantled – they are moving to St John's Wood. He returned me one of my pamphlets and assured me his Father's book would be published exactly as it was written. Then I went to Dr Lennox Browne's and was very cordially received. His Secretary is young Dr Holloway whom I knew at the Hastings Infirmary; Dr L. B. & I had some rather intimate medical conversation, and it would have done your heart good to hear how, incidentally, he denounced Brown- /Sequard and all his works, "nasty", "disgusting", were his mildest adjectives. He will give us a lecture in November. Then, your good coachman took me to the Station, where I deposited my bag, & afterwards set me down finally at the Humanitarian League, where I had a good deal of conversation with Mr Salt. After refreshing myself at a nice A.B.C. place in Halborn, I made my way to Mr Bell's – three gentlemen & two ladies diligentally confered on the mighty affairs of the Leigh Browne Trust – a friendly talk, but leaving much to be done! Got a hearty welcome, and only wished I could think of you in as peaceful a corner, far from the great Babel.I am, Affectionately yours. E. Blackwell per K.B.Sunday morning 13th Dec 1896 Dear Friend A good nights rest has recovered the strain of yesterday. And now, just as A was with me, Miss J's called. I suppose they are both gone to Chapel (a new advance of the latter!) & my time for talk on serious matters is over, without being able to go into any. I have given your note to A — It had the soul of wit — [Breach?] — I had looked in vain for Capt P's last letter to me. Material for [an] office work, without the accommodation of an office, adds greatly to my difficulty. And no secretary to be called [?]. Both Capt. Parker, and less so Mr. Hammond, are apt topropose matters for me, to bring forward for the Ladies of which they are Secretaries – and this may sometimes lead to my [the] suggestion of an Interim Committee Meeting, as well as giving me a responsibility I have to be careful not to misuse. But so far, no harm has been done; If it were possible to re-establish the friendly attitude of our L B Trust work – or smooth down the friction which now exists; I do think it would best be accomplished by waiting for the appointed next Committee Meeting, which is in Feb at the Sharpe office I think. When Capt Parke's suggestion (in his letter I cant find) and the printing matters can be put on the Agenda and as this would be natural, no one need by offended, because it is in the course of business. The book you have returned I shall turn when we have done of it. A man who can realize what is really Christian Morals - yet drink to the depths of mere animation - is a false guide, and taking it altogether, the best disgusts me. A very dangerous scheme is feared to be brewing - for the renewed injustice to Women. A strong word of warning has come to Annie from head quarters - And as she is on that Committee, I do hope her energy will be given to that, as will all my spare cash. I expect to go to Chipwell for Christmas; mean time, no place of rest is within view - & I must remain on my perch. I will leave this open in case anything more may turn up to say before post time. Yours affect TLBSaturday 7 16 pm Dec 12 1896 Dear Friend I must hurry to catch this last post. Annie had to be off 3 hours ago, and will not be home again until late; She has gone out to dinner. She hurriedly told me, that you proposed to bring a letter of hers to Jon, before the Trust Committee. And that it was intended to be confidential. I told her I would write and ask you to treat it as confidential. I fancy she had omitted to do so. Your letter to her enclosed in the one to me, I shallof course, not read, until she shows it me tomorrow. Neither have I time now to look up Capt Parke's letter to me. If I have, I will enclose it. I have often told you that she has often no time to consult me about anything — and acts without doing so. This, in matters in which we are equally concerned, leads to complications – as in this instance, tho' in this instance, her desire not to worry me, seems the reason of her silence, as to her correspondence with you, until I had to be told. I am glad that you agree with Mr Bell, that the time is too short for a Trust Meeting, before Christmas. My own belief is, that she will not be able to attend any Committee Meetings lest in a hurried manner. As I told her yesterday no Human Being can do what she is attempting — I much wish that she would retire from this LBT Committee. It is impossible for such a Work to be arranged without jar, when you, at Hastings - Parker at another district. Anne's critical, and I ignorant endeavour to live in peace, and in perfect agreement. So again I say – let Time pass, and this discomfort die down, before a Trust Meeting. And surely you can tell Mr Carpenter that the Committee cannot meet for some time. and if we lose some of the advantages of his lectures, it will not be a vital loss. Meantime, we may understand him better. I will now look into the Carpenter Boat. Meantime, there is nothing I see on page 169 to show that what is detailed, is all EC has published = You may recollect how the old Friends of Philosophy was originally so quietly circulated — In haste yours affect TLB1896 Dec 11 T L Brome A D E l About E Carpenter & his book Vindictive Mr Salt about publishing Carpenter! works 12th Decr 1896 Dear Friend Annie just told me that she wrote you about what she heard from Lady Cromarle Sweeny — really to the same effect as what I did = and that she has heard from you about a Trust Meeting for next week. She will not be able to attend a Meeting next week — on Tuesday her charge Servante — &and our interim Cook will be leaving, so we shall have another change there — I have not had time to send you Capt Parke's letter — I am now going out. Lady Sweeny wishes her name to be kept secret in this matter of E.C. She did not tell me this but she did to Annie — I may not have heard.Important letter. Cromarte 58. Porchester Terrace. 11 Dec 96 W Dear Friend Very soon after you left on Wednesday Lady Cromartie I cant spell her name came – but I was too tired to see her until nearly dinner time; and when I went in, I found her & Annie talking about the Salt affair. When we were alone she told me that she had known E Carpenter many years ago. That he had been intended for the Church, but had thrown it up. That it was his habit to plunge into things for which he was unprepared. She thought of his "Coming of Age of love", just as I did. And asked me if I had seen a Hill Warce book of his for private circulation – She could not exactly remember the title,but it was Homogenic Love. She had written to him for a copy, but had received no reply! I proposed to write to him for this, but we agreed that it would be more likely to be responded to, if you wrote for it so I said that I would ask you to do so, which I now do. Yesterday, we had again a quiet private talk. She thought that in all probability – the real reason of Mr Bunding refusing the Article for the Contemporary was in consequence of the Free Love opinions of E. C. She & I talked over the difficulty of rejecting the good of a Worker, because of objectionable opinions which he might hold, and which did not come to the surface. And she solaed this difficulty in the manner I was coming to, but had not concluded in my mind. So long as a person does not obtrude objectionable opinions, so as to endeavour to influence others to the wrong, we may accept what may be desirable in him, but when he (or she) is leading others into dangerous paths, then we [can] should not use him, otherwise we give him weight, & indirectly aid him. Lady C also spoke of Mr Salt, and thought that he would not have made such a fuss over what I will call, Annies misadventure but for his acceptance of Free Love position – (I did not mention his letter to yourself about her.) But I thought from the first, that a deeper reason than annoyance at an ill judgedaction on her part could have warranted his vindictive attitude. Now I think that we must consider more about E.C. before we add to his popularity by printing his address, however admirable it may be. This must be a most unbalanced mind & therefore not one to be trusted. Lady C wanted to know if we could tell her how he was living. Of course I was ignorant. She has given much thought to these matters; and I was able to interest her, & gave her your Human Element — She has a son of 19 – who trusts her, & whom she trusts. I should tell you, that some young man gave Miss Amos! This "Comedy of the age of love" – which with all appreciation of its occasional lofty ideals. I should put in the fire. It is difficult to write all this. I apprehend there had been gossip, forLady C seemed to have heard of the annoyance about Salt. I really think the wisest plan would be to let this disagreeable matter die out of itself – meantime, try to know what E C is doing "[for] by private circulation"! We must not be poisoned — instruments to do our work. It was this fear that made me propose, having the addresses printed separately. and I would wait awhile before having this one printed. I am afraid all this will trouble you. but it is too serious a matter to let pass. Last evening I had a long kind letter from Capt Poikis not a word about my leaflet. So there is a case in point. Silent — when wrong — therefore though not adding to the wrong. making [one less] him less valuable to work with in the right. However I cannot write more and must leave for another day another letter. I wonder if you have had a Belfast paper about poor Miss Tod. Very interesting Yours affect T. L. Brownewith 1895 file Rock House. Feb. 6th Dear Ann Browne, Yours of 4th just came. I write a line to say that it was the Abolitionist of February that you sent me — and I much regretted the statement that vivisection necessarily tended to make men sexually immoral. I happen to know that Claude Bernard, the noted french vivisector, was noted for his kind family life, as husband and father. So the "Abolitionist"was most unfortunate in trying to link the two vices together! as cause and effect. Mr Bell has just send me down a large packet of Dr Thornton's wise Essay; and I am only waiting for the new Hastings Directory about to appear, to send out a copy to each of our Hastings doctors; and I have just engaged Isolda Danweather to come here next Thursday and begin putting them up. I shall also engage her to come in once a week to help look over my heaps of papers. I am also considering who I can engage to be my literary executor; for my power of work now, is slow. Yet I quite agree with you, that some of my writings ought to be preserved, as they are in advance of the age, and may serve good purpose in the future.In answering Mr Bell I have expressed my regret that the Zoophilist brought the "Abolitionist" error into greater notoriety, as the Dr Leffingwell whose authority is referred to, is an American physician who will not carry weight. But my hand warns me to stop – we shall have much to consider when we do, at last meet. Affectionately yours E. Blackwell. [*I have opened my letter to ask who wrote that very [?] pathetic little tract that you enclose, headed, (Social Purity Alliance Counsel to Parents on the Moral Education of their Children). Neither Kelly nor I ever saw it before – and it is most encouraging to see such a true appreciation – The writer should be my Executor!! 1896 Aug 4 T L Browne to Dr Elizabeth Bl re Dr Creighton's Book & Leigh Browne Trust 3 Authorisation for Dr Creighton Weybrook, Haslemere. 4th August 96 Dear Friend I have (with difficulty) read Dr. Creighton's communication to you to Annie; & we both agree to your suggestion that the bringing out his book, is work for the L.B.T. but £50 seems a small sum for the purpose (so we both think.) You have however our consent to the Trust helping in this matter. I will not add anything more tonight as I am tired I return you Mr Bell's thoughtful letter and Dr Creightons two communications to you. retaining Made Schmall – important card. I think Miss Joff will be with us on Saturday for a day or two and should like to talk to her about that other matter. This letter will go off early tomorrow & I think that you should get it in the evening. Yours Afft T L Browne B 19 Nov [*1896*] Dear Friend I hear that the Meeting on Tuesday last was very well attended. I sent you the book of Edward Carpenter's you wished to read again. I finished reading, and think it a very dangerous book – all the more so, that there are such lofty flights so that if he would only "aim at the highest", he would help lift poor humanity outof the mire in which it [travels?]. There is a note in which the educating a little child in the mystery of sex is explained. It is a horrible idea — and would tend to morbid conditions. I fancied the Author must be a married man, but I hear that he is not. so how he can have children as he has, without experience! I do not know. And I come back to my old theory as the only one which will serve best – briefly put – that the mind must sanction the relation to make it sacred. [and] – and that passion may crown love – but abiding love cannot be hoped for based on passion. And that mind requires purity & singleness in haste Yours afft How are you? T L Browne [*Elizabeth Blackwell*] address 103 Seymour Place Edinburgh Aug 27. /93 Dear Miss Browne. You know I have often told you that I believe the screaming activity of the Vivisectors is the writhing of a sedated snake, & not the healthy activity of a child who has life before it. I have been listening to two sets of lectures here, from men who represent a young school; – not yet a prominent one, – perhaps, as a school, never going to be prominent in itself, but full of earnestness & genius, & therefore a token of where progress is going. One set was on Social Evolution by Prof. Geddes (supplemented by talks on Economic Evolution). The other on Biology by two men alternately; one doing historic critique, the other positive suggestion. Neither of these three men preach; I know about two of them, that they eschew all religions and propagandist societies of every Kind A. V. & every other. Now I will give you samples of the incidental remarks I heard from them. At the "Economic" talk I mentioned the Leigh Browne Trust Fund, for "encouraging Biologic study not connected with Vivisection. Prof G said"That's easy enough. If you asked me how to open money on studies useful to Biology that are connected with Vivisection I should be puzzled." Another time, – "Huxley calls himself a Biologist, he is not; he's a Necrologist." The critique -lecturer, after pointing out what enormous & gratuitous assumptions underlie all existing Biologic theories, added; – "I dont believe knowledge is of things we see. Knowledge at present is almost entirely of things we dont see. We Know that it is better to be gentle and kind than cruel & rude; but the process of physical evolution, we dont know, we only guess." His colleage said that "what we need, is to revert to experiment; we havent had nearly enough experiment to decide the hereditary result of acquired characters & injuries." Youd suppose he was going to propose experimental mutilations? No. He said "There are several kinds of experiments we might make. First, mutilating animals". Then he proceeded, very coolly & calmly – to describe several vivisectional experiments that had been made; and showed how they proved nothing; how all they seemed to prove, betrayedillogicality as to the relation of cause & effect; & how, in the nature of things, they must be calculated to mislead; & wound up with the words: – "In fact all we can say about them is that it is a pity men have wasted so much time in this way." Then he went on to describe the experiment he wished people to carry on. I forgot to say that Prof. G insisted at class, that Economics whenever genuine, is merely Ethics made concrete & systematic, & Ethics is Economics explained; & pointed out how grotesquely false are all non-ethical theories of politics & of Industrial Economy. I have gone over with Prof. G. privately, a rapid course of arith & algebra, showing the peculiar points in Philosophy which our mode of teaching mathematics brings out; and he has arranged that I am to hold a public course here next summer. We have school teachers here from France, America, Greece, Germany, and I believe Asia. I do want my dear friends of the A.V. societies to realize that I am not indifferent to the present sufferings of the poor little puppies & Rabbits [*but I cant save the immediate victims*] & I can do something to strengthen public opinion in favour of these clear sighted young men of Science, who are struggling under enormous difficulties, (financial & reputational) caused by the weight of the dead rotten past. I dont want to add to the intellectual prestige of the Vivisectionists by putting them up on pedestals, as clever monsters; I want to aid the glorious young geniuses of Synthetic thought, to outshime them. I can spend every atom of strength in the service of these struggling young geniuses I can; – & I do – make on many of the more serious students the impression that Math & Science is with vital & Ethical Biology, not with grovelling & necrologic sorcery. And I have no strength for tirades against any body. 23 Oct 91 Dear Friend I try to write some note every day. thus reducing the number of letters [?] I owe to one and another & letting [them] the next go [smark?] I found by chance the enclosed letter of yours (written in 1898 D. B) but in what year it was written, I cannot tell – can you? [Obserae?] my X. Can the "package of reports" be the missing one? so often hunted for by me? Edith always says that you took them away at the time, saying (I believe) that I should be relieved of them for how then I was failing. (Do not think dear friend that I am without hope in the next world. As I grow nearer the brink of this life – I see less dimly the brighter beyond & those I have loved in this life, never die. The fecklessness which prevents my following up the injustice of spirits, tries me more than any thing else – for I have so much material to work with and free given help decreases, as fellow workers, also grow older. Almost every day, something fresh stands up to claim active work. Last Sunday, Miss D Appell came in & I was thankful to find how heartily she was in sympathy with your attitude in regard to the medical profession – By the by I think I have 15 copies of that pamphlet I want you to review – I think little is required & if you could make the revisions, I could adopt those I have & utilize them without delay. I said to Miss Appel that my great hope before I died was to help you collect your writings – she said you were before your time, but quite believed your influence would prevail in the future. I would employ her to help me, but her time would of course require high payment (she has time to spare) and as it is, in every direction my purse is required. I haveto consider this & have had to restrain my desires more than before two years ago – but I am going on step by step quite satisfactorily. I quite hope that Mary is on the eve of letter her house furnished for a time. She seems brighter, and yesterday was hostess to some professional musical ladies who had offered to come here to sing to me! as I could not go to them. Mary however came to the rescue & had them and a pleasant little party at her house. and I met several [old] persons who were so cordial. But the [number?] was something strange to me as I have not heard a note for months & seemed far off. I am greatly exercised just now with Ben Eahlin Carpenters X Presidential address at Oxford which a little staggers me. It is only now printed. I is very learned beautiful language – but what it will lead up to I cannot tell. 3 The last "Pioneer" is hopelessly dull. X I have not yet been able to ask Hammond in. But I must soon. With dear love to you Yours affy T L Browne [Lives?] my return I observe the death of two old associates of my generation, both younger than I am. After Miss Beanet death, Mr. Bell took the reports of the Trust, and sent them out with a note appealing for Funds, to a selected list of names. This is what Miss Beane was doing when she died. indignation with which you will be in hearty sympathy – nevertheless I regret the "purity worker" denunciation, which nevertheless I understand. Her error lies in thinking that "Principles have nothing to do with Mercy" – whereas the essence of Divine Justice is its inseparable union with Mercy. About the circulation of myvery large number of intelligent women who are coming into various spheres of useful public or benevolent work are anxious for physiological truths, which they cannot get, unless our Profession can teach wisely. Now it seems to me that to try – steadfastly – to act on the medical profession, is my special line of work – and that, takes me to London tomorrow. Yet I know that this judgment of mine is puzzling, even offending some of the present workers, who wish me to give up my time to collecting signatures to Govt Memorials. Although I have signed myself – given money to the work – and even organised a meeting for such work – yet because I do not devote myself exclusively to stirring people up to do memorial work, I am continually being "educated", against regulations!!! by the Dyer School ( which is also Wm Butler's) It reminds me of Dyer's refusal to accept "The Human Element" – writing me that "it would paralyze his hand," if he thought that woman's nature corresponded to man's nature! — But each soul must answer to its maker – so I work on in joyful faith; and find much delightful encouragement. Excuse my trying your eyes with so long a letter – Very affectionately yrs E. Blackwell. Weybrook Harlemere 10th August Dear Friend You are french! You should be cannonized! I wish I could write you all I think & feel, or half – But his has been a bad week for me. I have seldom been so absolutely good for nothing! I hope the worst is over, but the intense heat & then rain got into the bones. I will write I hope in a day or twowhen I feel a little more able Miss Brown came yesterday for a week. I think of you so often – so often & your poor sister. The best thing I can do now is to send an enclosure of £25 [?] please cash soon – and to say how I love & reverence you & think it an honour to be called your fellow soldier. Wal is not true. I can only help hold the gun for you to fire. care yours affy T L BrowneT L Browne Praising Dr E B Nov. 24th Rock House, Exmouth Place, Hastings. Sunday. Dear Mrs Browne I have put up a package of my writings for you to keep in remembrance of me, or use as you choose; for I doubt whether I shall now be able to superintend their republication. Next Tuesday, Miss Barry leavesexternal memory, and she dislikes leaving our cheerful little home, where she is thoroughly happy. I shall think of your bazaar on Dec. 4th – and wish it every success. I remember getting up a bazaar seven years in succession, to help the New York Infirmary. What work it was! By the bye – If the works of that audacious individual - Dr Elizabeth Blackwell" - should ever be published in a uniform edition with her autome for a few days, in order to go up to the town of Coventry and try and comfort the almost broken-hearted mother, of her dear young friend, Alan, who has been entrapped into a marriage ( with a most unsuitable young girl) on account of his property – as the lad is only 19, the law may interfere – but Kitty has a much better business head than the mother — so I sanction her journey – though I shall miss her sadly for she has really become my "alter Ego", or, biography – the Essay "Medicine & Morality" had better be omitted It is not necessary at this stage of social progress – and it is easier to omit than to revise. i Dieu! dear old Comrade – though we can now seldom meet in person, yet spiritual unity will always remain in undying vigor – and I shall always remain, most sincerely and affectionately yours E. Blackwell.[*Blackwell?*] April' 22. Dear Mr Browne, It seems to me that the following statements in British Medical Journal & Lancet together with an editorial on snake bite experiments in Medical Journal of April 20 v195; P. 884 might be of use to the Leigh Browne Trust. D. Müller has written a book on his discovery which however I think can only be obtained in Sydney. But- if I am using medical practition could un- [ outain] D[... t] up a that [paupletion] showing has absolutely a cure for snake bite- is being neglected because it is not- one to vivisection it- would I should say be useful scientifically & anti-vivisectionally. If the Trust thinks of going into the matter at all, I will look more closely through my notes, but I know what I am sending you contains the more important utterances. [V. app] A. [Goff]*Lancet - Vol. 2. 1891 P. 9 "All experimenters from L. J. Faurer to Dr. [Freletiston?] hopelessly abandoned the truth of finding a physiological antidote snake poison. A county practitioner + the [antiporous?] discovered the antidote, + for years practiced its use with unfailing success, when [Freltiston?], misled by his experiments rejected it ; To explain the causes of failure in experiments in criminals is scarcely called for. The [?] nerve centres react - very differently in Cat & Dogs than those of man both to make poison and stay [churue?]." Snake-bite. British Medical Journal. Janry 3d 1891 P. 1. Experiments with snake venom by Lauder Brunton in guinea-pigs, also by D. Weir Mitchell. P. 2. Injection of cobra poison by Brunton, Fayrer, Lacerda & Vincent Richard. Injection of strychnine by Fayrer into pariah dogs as [custidle?]; dogs died in titanic spasms: D. Mueller of Victoria [herein?] has found strychnine in large doses beneficial to human beings for snake-bite. B.M.J. April 23d 1892 London p. 67. N. Calinette ( [??acteriological] Institute at Saigon has experimented with chlerid of cold as an antidote to snake poison (cobra) as [?] guinea-pigs, rats, fowls, pigeons, dogs, & [cafes?] thinks it is curative. Lancet * Vol:1 1891. P. 1342 D. [Carlebru?] has cured snake bite with internal doses of strychnine. Vol:1. 1892 P. 483. D. Aunt of Toowoomba Hospital, Queensland has snake-bite with strychnine. nevertheless, at P. 1099 of said vol:1-1892 Lancet says Surgeon [Mayer? Cunningham is admirably suited for making experiments in snakes at Calcutta Zoological Garden of whose Committee he is President. Vol:1-1892 p. 1183 7 cases of snake bite cured by injections of strychnine in India by D. [B?] M.O. at the [Salt?] lines [Rajfsertana?] Nevertheless at P. 1296 of same volume we find Mr [Kautach?] making experiments in India on rabbits with cobra poison & [ch?] of [?] as an antidote- [p?] & caused explain has Mr Calcutta (see above) discarded.Lancet. Vol: 2 - 1892 P. 112 St. Goruca of Bengal ask for ₤5000 promising [w/]supply use - per provincial priced for experimenting at Calcutta 800: with snake bite. Vol: 2. 1893, P. 1403. Surgeon Major Therecles of Chrigleput - has been successful in the treatment of cobra bite by hypodermic injections of strychnine; also [Leugren ] Capt. Drake Brockman a case of snake bites was successfully treated. Vol: 2. 1893 P. 1608. M.O. al-Hassam Sudrai: cured cobra bite - approaching collapse with injections of strychnine. Vol: 2. 1893 P. 1653 S. Lt. George Querly used liquer strychnine always for snake-bite: once he put 65 m : in all; but always began with 15 m. & [found] the [dry?] perfectly safe & successful. British Medical Journal. April 15th 1895. P. 840 Cobra bite cured by Surgeon Col. [Largruel] - in India: also D. E. L. Kristina Stew[ ?]? Per respected to South Indian Assn at Madras, having cured a case of cobra bit by injections of strychnine. April 20th. P. 884. [Sert?al ] ignoring these pacts - trusting to the criminal experiments, & advocating serum treatment.Annie would be quite ready to resign on the L B Trust – & indeed no human Being could do on so many societies, all she is asked to. In haste yours afft TLBAn old skit - for personal satisfaction THE NEW SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL! A TRAVESTIE ON MORALS, AS PERFORMED ON HER MAJESTY'S STAGE IN "PROTECTED DISTRICTS" Prostitution, . . . . . . . . (A Necessity) . . . . . . . . Sir Henry Storks. Adultery and Fornication, {The irregular indulgence of a natural instinct,} Royal Commissioners. Prostitutes, . . . . . (Queen's Women . . . . . . Inspected Harlots. Prison Hospitals and Compulsory Examination of Females,} . . . A blessing in disguise . . . . . Mr. Berkeley Hill. Spy Policemen and National Harlots' Registrar, . . . . .} The Nation's Safeguard, {Dr. Brewer, Counsel for the Prostitutes of Colchester. This Farce to be followed by Chorus from Heathens, who with 87 eminent Base Voices, will sing to the Home Secretary, "BAAL, WE CRY TO THEE." After which 150 Cavaliers, carrying a Banner with the words, "We acknowledge the Law which keeps Healthy Harlots from the Chaplain's ministrations to be a Law from Heaven, and most beneficial for man," will approach the Home Secretary, and after bowing down, will sing, "CONFIRM TO US THIS BLESSED LAW." The whole to conclude with a PROCESSION OF "PRIESTESSES OF SOCIETY," who will present their offerings on the Altar of Vice, amidst Solemn Music. "Down among the dead men, Down among the dead men, Down among the dead men Let them lie!" DISTANT MUSIC BY THE "VOX POPULI." "Oh! never, never bow we down."with May 1904 letterRock House Sep: 15 Dear Mrs Browne, The Berne Conference opens today — May strength in leadership be given to it! — I sent enclosed a letter to Miss Butler, just before she left — telling her not to answer, but if she thought wise to read it to any committee of the Conference. I have destroyed as you asked good, "old", Mrs Sleinthal's letter — Miss Manning has many good points. – but has always seemed to me, a rather typical "prudish old maid"!— Our L.B. Trust, greatly needs a meeting place, where we could place a book-case for the custody of books which we ought to purchasefrom time to time; – such as the new Report on Vaccination, which costs about 30 shillings; and bears directly on the modern craze for morbid inoculations. Also copies of Dr Dolan's, Dr Richardson's, and Mr Boole's publication, all of which we have published – and now Dr Creighton's – I will bring up the subject at our next Trust meeting in November, but meanwhile, please think it over. Our municipal duty in regard to Prisons, has pressed on me lately. I went to Lewes last Saturday to see the Governor of our County Jail about a young cabman, who has been punished with quite exaggerated severity. It is shocking to manufacture criminals! affectly yrs E. Blackwell.ROCK HOUSE, EXMOUTH PLACE, HASTINGS. Aug: 2nd Dear Mrs Browne, Dont be discouraged because our leaders are "flies not hornets" – the Movement is entering on a broader field! I am weighing well my course. I shall not make my 2nd edition suitable for broad cast distribution, but I am making it stronger not weaker! I shall still print on cover "for private distribution, though I shall put copies in Mr Cootes care for distribution to those who want it; and shall notify that, on the last page. I shall only print off 500, again, this time – I think. But when I am quite sure that I have satisfied myself, I will have it set up a third time and the plate stereotyped. I shall carefully distribute this edition, as before, and watch the results– I am getting, what is to me, exceedingly valuable medical help – I cannot explain this by letter but I feel encouraged in this unique work which it is laid on me, to do. Have faith, dear friend – God is ruling, and will not let us be drowned in Sin, any more than by water. Your hand writing is always, most welcome Affecty yr E. Blackwell You did not send Linkes Dr Kingdom Smiths letter – but the Christian – which has a most manly little letter from an artillery man,T L Browne 58. Porchester Terrace. W. Wednesday 2 [??] Dear Dr. Blackwell I have only just seen your enclosure about Dr. Field on whim I called yesterday, and who advises me to come [Sevice?] a week to have my nose blown into – What a splendid opportunity – I shall have to think how to make the most of it – in declining him, I walked in the gardens one hour this morning & readyour article in Modern Review. It grows upon me like the picture of that late great artist ( forget name who painted blue light) & I really do think if Miss Cobb worked down pell mell the Profession. You have cunningly used the lancet and made no wound. I think I never read any thing so clever – What a lawyer you would have made I shall want a number of the pamphlets – I write at once before post so as to ask you how to procure them I was going to the [Mallite?] for two days but mother has taken cold and I shant like to leave her – Mrs Luow is home – Annie is returned – & better. Your interesting letter is very welcome – I have just commenced a mild combat with Mrs. Paterson - Yours affetly TL Browne You will be amused with my enthusiastic friends note. The Mr Field is an aurist whom Dr Cheadle recommended to me - and he Mr Field has just given the opening address to the St Mary's Medical School also citing the Contagious Disease Acts - of course Mrs Browne wont continue to employ him and I have gently let Dr Cheadle know this. Good Mr Armstrong is printing me off some copies of my Medicine & Morality which has just come out in Modern Review. I will send you a copy when it arrives. The weather has grown so chilly that I have to abandon my bedroom and use the dining room. Little robin redbreast didn't get up till 6 am this morning, he sat on his bough and gave out a trill or two but found it so cold that he drew himself up into a little ball - stopped singing and soon fled away. [*T. Browne*] 58, PORCHESTER TERRACE, W. Furzendown Limpefield Surrey 8th August Dear Friend The weather is so misty, rainy, chilly, that I should like to know you had taken warm wraps with you for the heat wave was a fraud. coaxed one into muslin & laces & fans - & now we want flannels & furs. Fancy our having a fire, as we did the other day! and this in August But yesterday the promise of no Deluge appeared &never did I see so wonderfully glorious a Rainbow before - more than double. a complete Arch - Mary rushed, & I hobbled out in the fine rain to see it. We are on high land & the sight was one to photograph on ones Land. Did you see it ? How are you getting on? I do so fear you will lose much of the pleasure you promised yourselves. There never was such a dismal Bank Holiday as Monday last. But I want to know you have taken no cold. I am in a condition of blissful peacefulness, if it would only last. I try not to think of the future. But with Annie overwhelmed in her public work, and Mary with her household cares and large family! who find her & her house a convenient refuge & forget that she has a Mother– I cannot hope for a continuance of my pleasant present life. In another 4 weeks our term here will end — But I hope not to go home then and hope to see you before then. Annie went homeyesterday for the night & Mary is gone back today for the night. Each have to superintend the doing up of their houses. Work people have no brain – or scamp their work — Well dear Friend good bye & God bless you & bring you back in safety to your loving friend T L Browne. Give my love to Miss Barry I am so thankful to observe that Mrs Little must be safe in China as her husband is mentioned in the Times Rock House, Exmouth Place, Hastings. March 5th Dear Mrs Browne, "L'homme propose, mais Dieu dispose"! that is to say that the weather is against me; and my hand must wait till March weather makes it prudent for me (and Kitty whose chest is not strong) to take the journey to London. The wind is howling in the chimnies and the mist and rain obscuring thewindows; so that our little snuggery with my books and warm fire, seems the place to stay in. Two things I do want to do — 1. Sort over a great accumulation of letters, manuscripts, papers &c: – so I think of getting a young secretary to come in once a week, and help arrange and destroy. 2. I want to find a clever and conscientious Executor who can help arrange, revise, &c various of my writings for re-publication. I received only this morning a letter from America in which one of my neices refers most gratefully to one of my family letters that has been "going the rounds" — which letter it seems laid down proofs of the immortality of the soul!! I had quite forgotten the letter; but I cannot express to you [my healing?]of gratitude that I had been able to write words of encouragement to the younger generation on such a vital subject of Human Evolution! But I must stop; much as I should like to write on to you, my old friend and comrade. For I must consider what can be done to oppose "State Regulation of Vice" in America!!! Yours as ever. E. Blackwell. Rock House, Exmouth Place, Hastings. Sunday Oct 6. Dear Mrs Browne, I fear the Fates are against us, for today the wind is howling the rain driving, and clouds of foam dashing over the Pier head; so it hardly looks as if prudence would allow of a journey to Tunbridge Wells tomorrow! So if I do not arrive by the 10-15 am. from Hastings, please do not expect me in bodily presence; but I shall be with you in spirit. I have just been reading the October [number?] of The Shield –a capital number — I am sending a copy to my sister and Dr Curhier who are in Paris; and I shall order 20 more copies, and get a Secretary to put them up and post them to our Hastings doctors and clergy — for we must keep our municipal conscience awake — for sexual injustice is nowhere full recognised I fear, at present. It is a lifelong battle that the true Anglo-Saxon race has to wage. I hope you will be able to read the October Shield before your are again engulphed in the overwhelming pressure of London life. Kitty who is turning out old closet and paper, has just brought me a tiny little book that I had almost forgotten — "La Religion de la Santé" — a translation into french of my Religion of Health by Mme Meunier; made and published in Paris in 1872. I rejoiced to welcome the little old friend. May it continue to do its tiny work for God in Humanity, when I have disappeared from human eyes! — but not, I fully believe from work. Indeed I sometimes long to be freed from the encumbrance of the flesh. I do so long to be up and doing with tenfold force, in so many directions. This is Sunday, and I long for special communion, which I vainly seek in the churches. So I turn to you, and enjoy the old comradeship, which revives as the past mingles with the present. Adieu for the present old friend! Affectionately yours E. Blackwell.ROCK HOUSE, EXMOUTH PLACE, HASTINGS. Oct 24. Dear Mrs Browne, 1. I am quite sure that Mr Bell would have gladly followed your injunction, did we not seem to be out of Trust notice slips! I had no idea of this until I failed yesterday to hunt up more than a dozen of the enclosed; which I dont like. Last Thursday I sent Mr Bell suggestions for what seems to me a better leaflet for the Trust asking him to think it carefully over, so that it might be prepared, if approved, for the later lectures I will consult with you upon it. 2. Of course I should feel honoured by Mr Solly's endorsement — but, dearMrs Browne, you can never make my writings popular — I think they belong to the year 998 of the future! Affectly yr E. Blackwell.Jan 23rd Rock House, Exmouth Place, Hastings. Dear Mrs Browne, I return good Mr Bell's letter, in case you may wish to refer to it. I dont know the book he refers to "Women and Economics" by a Mrs Stetson — if you see it, please let me know. I little item just received from Churchill, in his annual account, has gratified me, as I think it will please you — it is this – 50 copies of my "Human Element in Sex" have been disposed of, during 1900 — so the wholesome seed has taken root! although the writer will disappear As soon as Surgeon Genl Thornton's Essay on Pasteruism is printed, I shall engagemy young friend, who sometimes works for me, to send out 100 copies to our medical prationers down here, as I think it is written in a style and with an experience that will command their respect. I am glad that Mr Coleridge is trying to court you — twill do him good! Dont be too loyal! It is not yet time for you to follow the Queen – I have to go first remember. My crippled hand wont let me write more now – So with much love, as ever Affectly yr E. Blackwell.Rock House. Oct. 5th Dear Mrs Browne, If the column on page 44 of the Cash Pioneer could be re-printed as a little leaflet, I would willingly insert it in the pamphlets I have still to circulate "Medical Address" – – on page 43 in addition, if judged better. I have privately sent out a thousand pamphlets to women; and mean to send the remainder chiefly to medical men. My secretary helps me nicely two or three times a week.I want to know how you are and if the "maid-question" is settled for I fear there is no chance of seeing you here until a proper person is secured. I fear that they are putting too much work on Annie in relation to castigation of Lady H. Somerset. This not fair to over work a willing creature — even if be human! Affectly yr E. Blackwell.ROCK HOUSE, EXMOUTH PLACE, HASTINGS. Nov 17th Dear Mrs Browne, The news about Guernsey is serious. I received a stylograph letter from Miss Forsaith, with request to write to people connected with Guernsey; but unfortunately I know none. But the letter gave the address of a friend to morality Mr L [Chimscout?] High School Guernsey — so I wrote as enclosed to him, with book — and sent on Miss Forsaiths note to Mrs Tubbs. It was all I could do! To both Mrs Ross and Mrs Tubbs I have spoken of the unjust divorce law — The odd letter of Mrs Ross shows me how people [do not realise] hold the belief that a married man's illicit intercourse with an unmarried woman is not considered adultery!! Here indeed is work to do, and I shall die if I can educate Mrs Ross, because although she does not attract me, yet I have influence with her, and she is clever and active. From MrsTubbs I cannot hear for two or three days. Should she appreciate the wide bearing of the question, I should be encouraged to try some work in Hastings. One of the things to be done would be to procure a copy of the Parliamentary debates in 1857 on this subject, when Gladstone so strenuously opposed the injustice which, nevertheless became law in 58. I once borrowed those debates from Peter Taylor. But we ought to possess a copy. Can you suggest the way of doing so? I wish much that Mr Stansfeld could be enlisted in this new crusade for justice. His Parliamentary experience would be simply invaluable to us. We must enlist also a good lawyer. How we miss William Sheen! "The Queen Newspaper" has just been sent me. I do look queerly out of place in that detestable paper — but perhaps it is all the better from the contrast! Affectly E. Blackwell. ROCK HOUSE, EXMOUTH PLACE, HASTINGS. Aug 9th Dear Mrs Browne, I have just finished my revision and placed the manuscript in printer's hands – will send you copy end of week. The doctors to whom I have shewn it, think that perhaps in 200 years my true views may prevail — Do you know this is very encouraging to me, for it is the same sort of judgments I met, when I sought to study medicine, and it makes one feel like an old war horse, pawing the ground with eagerness! I have sent the two last copies of the pamphlet to important women in America — for I find that, "England's treatments of India"is being used to stir up international hatred of England. I think I shall have to get Aaron Powell to re-print and – publish – in American where they discuss more nakedly than in England! Have you seen Mrs Steele's Article in "The Hospital" 428 Strand – 31 /[25] it is worth getting; and shows me that we must soon take up the "Streets" question! I enclose my copy for new Cover (not return) – I cannot make up my mind to print a price on what is 'conscience work' – but Coote may charge what they please. I shall enclose notices of "Human Element" in the copies I send out. Are you enjoying quiet at Hastings? – Your life in London has become most injurious to you. I could not live without a quiet nook to which I can retreat from the medical conflict in which I have engaged, and which I am carrying on so energetically by post! Tell me how you are dear friend and fellow soldier, Affetly yrs E. Blackwell. My poor sister is still dying by inches!Monday - finished early Saturday — Dear Mrs Browne, Your kind telegram is just come, but too late to answer tonight! What a curious misunderstanding! I had no idea when you said goodbye in the dining room, and Annie kindly saw me into the carriage, that you expected me to return. I was just about to write you of the very pleasant little meeting held Sharpe's office, when your telegram arrived. I met Mr BellCapt Pirkis and Mr Sharpe the latter at once accepting the Chairmanship; and Mr Bell kindly undertaking to carry out the suggestions made. Your wish was at once endorsed, that no change of plan should be attempted in the management of the Trust. Mr Bell brought with him the second number of a little Quarterly Journal called – "The Humane Magazine" – containing popular humane articles – the price 5 shilling a year post free. I have voted to subscribe for a copy to each member of the Trust that we might judge its value, and Mr Bell was authorised to try and enlist medical & scientific men to write articles of a humane scientific character that should be inserted in good journals, such as 19th Century &c, the sum of £100 being voted for him to draw upon during the year as an experiment. As the Trust income is now £140 per annum, and we have about £300 in hand, I thought we might try this little experiment. It leaves us quite free to consider a scholarship or Post Graduate year, if we discover any safe way of attaching such sums to safe centres. Of course a meeting can be called at any time if any valuable suggestion is matured by us. But what we did was safe and rather promising. I was sorry to see poor Capt. Pirkis looking so old and worried. He had been up to 4 a.m. working for the Dogs! He seems to be fighting Mr Long, about dog regulations, and it evidently tells upon him greatly. I was obliged to tell him that for the sake of the dogs – he must not commit suicide! and he acknowledged the wisdom of the counsel. I found all well at home – and shall I hope be busy in my next work — With much love affectly yrs E. Blackwell. letters occasionally from younger medical women who have read my Essays with approval and thankfulness — for none of them receive teaching of right tone on sexual matters in their medical schools. So I feel encouraged to go on in my own steady silent way, in spreading important truth. Yesterday I went to such a pleasant musical tea meeting at my neighbor Mrs Damreuther's – Wagner, Brahms & Schubert were admirably played by Miss Branwell. T'was quite refreshing. With much love. Affectly yrs E. Blackwell.Private ROCK HOUSE EXMOUTH PLACE, HASTINGS. Jan: Dear Mrs Browne I quite see that I could not have let you alone, by carrying off Annie. Yet any medical eye, rested with anxiety upon her, and continues to trouble my medical conscience. Annie must be helped. On return home I wrote, as we decided on, to Miss Kilgoins, stating that A. needed change and rest, and that any influence she was able to exert, must be given in that direction. I directed to Porchester Road to be forwarded — But the question of how to carry out the rest for Annie, and the housekeeping changeis a prescription that I hardly know where to find the chemist that can put it up! However Kitty has made a suggestion worth thinking of – I viz: Miss Jebb (whom Annie has met at Swanley) is an experienced traveller and care taken of young people — Whey could she not escort Annie to Miss Sharpe at Rome, & spend a week or two with her, elsewhere Miss Jebb is an intelligent kind hearted woman, and interested in our subjects. She has taken a house at St Leonard, from June; but could I think easily be absent from L Swandon home occasionally, before June. II Miss Jebb's friend Miss White kept house for her at Sydenham when she had a boarding school. Miss White is a very gentle intelligent and experienced woman. — just the person I should think to meet the house keeping & cont and I fancy she would be open to an engagement. Think these suggestions over before I see you again — I should be so glad to be of service in these matters of — medical prescription for you both! Affectly yrs E. Blackwell.Dear Mrs Browne I have read through Miss Cobbe's difficult writing more than once — and I still feel very sorry at the attitude she has taken. Her list of withdrawals seems to me impolitic – (I am sorry she brings in the Leigh Browe Trust!) I am very sorry for the position of those brave workers, Bell and Berdae. I notice in the last Zoophilist, that for the first time (on final page) 1Dr Berdoe is published as "The Medical Advisor of the Society." But the great Cause of Justice will go on, in spite of our mistakes, so I take comfort and work on! I shall run in and see you on Monday – so please let me know if any thing goes wrong before then. Friday Apr 1. Affectly yrs E. Blackwell. ROCK HOUSE EXMOUTH PLACE, HASTINGS. Aug: 17th Dear Mrs Browne Last week, the enclosed item in our evening paper, called my attention to the Parliamentary Debates, in the Chronicle, from which I cut No 2 enclosure. The situation seems to me full of danger, and I have written to Mrs. Butler for guidance; asking her 1. If we can in any way help in securing impartial just men for the Committee -2. If we can help circulate the Report Mr Stuart referred to. 3. If it is any use to write letter to Editors, who would publish them - 4. or in any way to let us know how we can help avert a great danger. I at once, on reading item No 1, wrote the enclosed letter to the St James Gazette, But of course he will not reproduce it. We old Repealers certainly need guidance - and I hardly see where it will come from! Affectly yrs E. Blackwell. P.S. Mmr Schmahl's translation of Dr Chann's indictment of the mutilation of women has just arrived. I will send it on for you to judge after I have considered it fully.ROCK HOUSE. EXMOUTH PLACE. HASTINGS. Dec: 26th Dear Mrs Browne, Most heartily I hope that your Chigwell visit is refreshing you, and making a sort of family domestic break in the too absorbing pressure of public work in Porchester Terrace. Last Monday evening after having received your interesting record of Sunday interviews I was surprised by an evening visit from Capt. Pirkis, who had come down to see Miss Marston who is unwell at St Leonards. (She is about 80!) His errand to me, being to speak of the Leigh B Trust and Buisson treatment, your letter had preparedme for what he wanted to say, for I take exactly your view of the matter. It would not be well to divert our capital, but it would be entirely on the lives of our Trust to use the interest in medical observation of the Buisson treatment. I quite agreed with Capt [?] of the great need and value of a Buisson Institute; but I shewed him that our little fund could not even begin to establish such an undertaking, that we should need a guarantee of at least £5000 to lease a house and garden in, say St John's Wood, build the necessary baths and other alterations, establish a resident physician there, and widely advertise the Institution all over the country, so that any one better could at once be sent on. It seems that Sir Arthur Arnold is entirely with us, and Capt [?] had even hoped that the County Council would have taken the matter up, but was disappointed. I then suggested that as Arnold knows Passmore Edwards, if he could get the liberal [?] to interest himself in guaranteeing five or six thousand, the things could be done; for the necessary medical oversight could undoubtedly be obtained if the cash were forth coming. He seemed to be encouraged by my suggestion, and will see what can be done in that direction.I am glad you had so satisfactory an interview with Mrs Pirkis – she must be a fine natured woman. Miss Chapman also is encouraging – an intelligent enthusiast advocate on any great subject is invaluable. But I fear Xalers Amos is rather a Will o' the Wisp. But if Miss Chapman would stick to it, something could be done. Goodlitch Kingdom Smith is so feeble in health and pocket that he hangs upon me. I shall be very glad if he can work out any thing practical. But he is a person who demagnetises me. So I must leave him to you. Rock House Sep: 11th Dear Mrs Browne, I enclose Mr Wicksteed's cordial note, because Mr Salt is particularly desirous that Annie should see Mr Wicksteeds high appreciation of our first lecturer. So please keep it for her. The Mansfield College "Settlement" in London, asks to have some of our lectures given in their own course. We shall comply gladly as far as possible. I have written Mme Schurahl that if Malbari, is Misra, we can recommend him. Affectly yrs E. Blackwell.The Compulsory Examination of Women Very many years ago, in the early part of Berkeley Hills treacherous work in favour of the C. D. Acts; I was struck with the possibility of a danger not then foreseen; on the part of pure minded Women, ignorant of the subject. F. K. writing to me said. "When we get Medical Women." And now — that is an iniquity not slowly coming to the front One of the causes which led to the discovery of this Evil legislation was that the old Rescue Workers – Cooper found the Women coming from certain Districts, could not be reformed were hardened. Districts then under these Acts — We know the Variable attitude Mrs Garrett Anderson has assumed on this question. And I have reason to believe that she has sought to secure a daily Doctor to go to India for the detestable purpose of carrying out this "wicked" act still in force there – Happily this lady considered it an insult. [Going a] to whom Mr. G. A. made the proposal Now should Medical Women lower themselves to accept such Work, they would make their Profession infamous. & themselves on a level with Mr. [Proceness?] I command this subject to the serious consideration of all good Women, more especially of Rescue Workers. For it is an increasing & very present danger & will make the Women hard, & defiant, besides lowering the Medical Profession of Women. (with May 1904 letter)