There is also a further examination held by the society once yearly in Medical Gymnastics.  The minimum time to expend on this is a further six months after qualifying as a masseuse, so that it takes a year to gain the double qualification.

In addition to supplying the independent examination in these subjects, the society watches over the interests of the masseuses.  All its members are bound to observe the rules of the society.  The result of this is threefold.

(1) The doctor is assured that the masseuse will not undertake cases on her own diagnosis, but work only under qualified direction.

  (2) The public is assured that the masseuse
  is a trustworthy woman as well as an
  efficient worker.

  (3) The masseuse herself is protected from
  undesirable engagements.  This is of
  considerable importance.

The training for the examination previously mentioned is from 10 to 15 guineas for those taking the course.  There is generally some reduction made for nurses.  The further course in Medical Gymnastics costs from 20 guineas.

From this it will be seen that the whole training is comparatively inexpensive; it is, however, not a profession to be entered lightly.  London is already overstocked and the better openings at the present time are to be found in the Provinces, in Scotland and the Colonies.  It is well to start, if possible, in a town where the masseuse is already known either to the doctors, or to some influential residents.  Much depends on the individuality of the masseuse, and one who is prepared to give all her time to the work, taking every call that comes, may reasonably expect to make in her first year from L50 to L100.  By the third year a steady connection should be formed, bringing in an income of L150 to L250.  This cannot, however, be expected unless the masseuse has some introductions to start her in her work.

Fees in the country vary from 3s. 6d. to 7s. a visit, and in London and some other places they rise to 10s. 6d. for an hour or less.

Hospital and nursing-home appointments are most useful as experience for the masseuse in her first year; they should be tried before she finally decides where to start work.  Such appointments are residential, and the salaries offered vary from L30 to L70 a year.

It must not be forgotten that, owing to the short and comparatively inexpensive training, very many women take up this work, so that the above excellent results are not realised unless the masseuse has good introductions.  The value of a thoroughly reliable society such as that mentioned cannot be over-estimated, not only for its certificate, but also on account of the information it can give as to the respectability of posts advertised for masseuses.  Many of these are unfortunately merely blinds for undesirable houses. [SUB-EDITOR.]

SECTION IV