Genre:

Essay, Drollery

Subjects:

Medical Practitioners, Gender, Accidents

    Questions the appropriateness of the phrase 'physician in petticoats' to describe the American doctor, Mary Walker. Points out that she is a 'duly qualified' physician who is experienced in 'actual practice' and 'actual service', but that she wears 'pantalettes' rather than 'pantaloons'. Suggests that 'pantalettes' be abandoned, pointing out that a women doctor is not called a 'doctress' and that in the days before pantaloons a lady physician wearing breeches would not be considered to be wearing 'breechettes'. Proceeds to discuss the more serious question of the women who are burnt to death when their crinolines catch fire.