The so-called “bedside” manner which is the butt for so much ridicule is not so purely ridiculous as one might be tempted to think.  Its basis is to be found in this very knowledge of human nature which is so essential, although the superstructure is often nothing more than vapid futility.  In addition to this the ideal doctor should possess a trained scientific mind, and, of the two, the former is infinitely the more important, although the latter is very valuable, not only for itself, but for the training which it gives in “tidy” thinking.

(3) Good health.  A sick doctor is an anomaly and many people prefer to be indifferently treated by some one who is cheerful and healthy, rather than have the most expert advice from a woeful person.

(4) A good general education is essential.  This should include a certain amount of Latin, which is needed throughout medical work.  The student must also possess the necessary capacity for acquiring knowledge.  It is very usual to find among the general public—­women in particular—­an idea that a tremendous amount of a vague quality which they describe as “cleverness” is necessary in order to follow one of the learned professions.  Certainly this is not so in medicine.  It is, however, necessary to be possessed of average intelligence and a good memory, and it is difficult for people to pass the qualifying examinations if they have for many years given up “school work”—­i.e., the habit of learning large numbers of new facts.

(5) Money.  For three reasons:  (i.) The training is expensive, (ii.) It is also strenuous, making a certain amount of margin for suitable recreation very desirable, (iii.) Earning capacity, although ultimately high, so far as women are concerned, is much delayed, and the work itself is one of considerable nerve-strain.  It is, therefore, very important that economic worry should, if possible, be avoided.

Medicine is one of the few professions in which women receive as high remuneration as men.  A very strenuous battle was fought between the public authorities and medical women on the subject of equal pay for equal work.  All sorts of dodges have been used to get cheap woman labour, but, so far, the victory has been almost completely on the side of medical women.  By the word “almost” is meant the fact, that if two or three posts of varying grades and remunerations are created under a health authority the woman nearly always gets the lowest, whatever her qualifications and experience.  With this exception the victory has been complete, and this has been entirely due to two things:—­

(1) The very able support given by the British Medical Association, which practically served as a Trade Union for doctors, stated the lowest rate of remuneration to be accepted, and kept a black list of posts which were advertised at salaries below this rate.  The Association has throughout supported with absolute consistency, the principle of equal pay for equal work for the two sexes, and has helped us as medical women to fight many battles.