Genre:

Introduction; Poetry

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Education, Gender, Heroism

    The poem responds to news from the Medical Times, that Elizabeth Blackwell has gained a physician's degree from the General Medical College, New York. Upholds Blackwell as great 'heroine'. Urges 'Young Ladies' who occupy their time in such activities as 'novels' and 'knitting' to 'reflect' on Blackwell's example. Believes women would be much more useful, and married life would be 'much more blest', if women could prescribe the proper medicines to an ill relative. Asks 'bachelors [...] Who'd call a female doctor "blue"', to remember, 'What physic costs a father!'. Wishes Blackwell to be dubbed 'Doctrix Blackwell' and to present her with a 'gold-handed parasol' for her efforts.