Here, too, the Seniors have their lectures in obstetrics, and with the beginning of that course a new difficulty arose.  Equipment here, as in practically every Mission institution, is pitifully limited by lack of funds.  For the proper teaching of obstetrics there is need of a pelvic manikin, lifesize.  There were no funds to spare for so expensive a piece of apparatus, and, if there had been, there would have been a delay of months in getting it out from England or America.  But meantime obstetrics must be taught, and a manikin must be had.  “Necessity is the mother of invention.”  Necessity got to work, and “Mrs. Earth-Thou-Art” is the result.  Dr. Griscom sent for the potter, who left his wheel in the bazaar and came to this market for new wares.  After long and detailed instructions, he returned to his wheel, and set it to the making of a shape never seen in the potter’s vision of Jeremiah or Robert Browning.  The first attempt was a failure; the second and third were equally useless; at last something was produced that approximated the human size and form.  The tires of the Ford were again requisitioned and, by the miraculous aid of the blacksmith, nailed to the pottery figure without wrecking the latter.  “Mrs. Earth-Thou-Art” at last reposed complete, one example of the triumph of the missionary teacher over the handicaps of the situation.  We hope that her brittle clay will survive until such time as some friend from across the sea is moved to provide for her a “store-made” successor.

“That which shall be.”

One more spot must be visited before our pilgrimage ends.  No guest of the Medical School is ever allowed to depart without a visit to “the site,” that pride of Dr. Ida Scudder and her staff.

Three miles out from the dust and noise of the bazaars lies this tract of fertile land, the near hills rising even within its boundaries, the heights of Kylasa forming a mountain wall against the sunset.  Here in the midst of natural beauty, open to every wind of heaven, the dormitories, lecture room, chapel, and new hospital will rise.  It will mean a healthful home, with the freedom of country life and endless opportunity for games and walks.  The motor ambulances will form the daily connecting link with the practical work of dispensary and emergency hospital.

“Who’s Who.”

We have spoken much of buildings and courses of study, but little of the girls themselves.  Who are they?  Where do they come from?  Why are they here?  What are their future plans?

They are girls of many shades of belief, from many classes of society.  The great majority are, of course, Protestant Christians, representing the work of almost every Mission Board to be found in South India.  There are a few Roman Catholics, and about an equal number of members of the indigenous Syrian Christian community.  Nine are Hindus, including one Brahman.  They come from the remotest corners of the Madras Presidency, and some from even beyond its borders.