Summary

Chapter 7 is entitled “Setback.” In November of 1849, Elizabeth contracted purulent ophthalmia conjunctivitis from a patient. The symptoms included painful swelling and sores on/around Elizabeth’s eyes. With the use of various painful treatments, doctors managed to save sight in one of her eyes. Elizabeth remained extraordinarily calm throughout the ordeal. She found emotional strength in her religious faith and believed that there was some divine reason for her suffering. In the hope of restoring vision in her damaged eye, she went to Silesia, to a sanatorium run by Vincent Priessnitz. The sanatorium utilized an experimental new form of treatment—invented by Priessnitz—called hydrotherapy. Her time there did not save the sight in Elizabeth’s eye. She could still practice medicine, but she would likely not be able to be a surgeon.

Chapter 8 is entitled “London.” While Elizabeth was in Europe, her younger...