Summary

Chapter 14 is entitled “Recognition.” The Blackwells’ infirmary continued to grow gradually, both as a clinic and as a place for the training of female physicians. In 1858, Anna Coswell, the widow of a French count expressed interest in possibly providing substantial funding for the infirmary. Coswell was British but lived in Paris. Elizabeth traveled to Europe with Kitty and temporarily left the girl at a boarding school, only to retrieve her after learning of the neglect Kitty suffered there. In London and Paris, Elizabeth gave lectures in an effort to win social and financial support. Meanwhile, Emily made plans for the future of the infirmary as a larger institution. Marie permanently left the infirmary to take a professorship in Boston.

Chapter 15 is entitled “War.” In 1860, the American Civil War began. Elizabeth and Emily accepted an assignment in selecting and training women to serve as...