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;i^^likJU.^jBJtij:u^

INKUGURKTION

C*F THE

Training School for Nurses.

On Wednesday, December i6th, 1891, was inaugurated the
first School for Nurses to be established in the Province. It
will be conducted upon the system generally in vogue in other
large cities, the pupils working under the Hospital Nurses and
Doctor* and listening to lectui^es upon various branches of their
profession, by the, Medical Board. The course covers two years,
the class at the Hospital was composed of six young women,
who, occupied front seats in the board room during the pro-
ceedings cf inauguration ; the' medical faculty were represented
by Doctors J. S. Helmcken, J. C. Davie, E. C B. Hanington,
M. S. Wade, I. W. Powell and Edward Hasell. There were also
present of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Hospital Board :
Mesdames G. A. McTavish, A. J. Srriith, Charles Hayvvard, I.
W. Powell, R. B. McMicking and Miss Hyams and others.

President Davies filled the chair, and in introducing the
pleasant business of the day, referred briefly to the history of
the Hospital, which had already assumed proportions unthought
of when the project of building was conceived. One hundred
thousand dollars had been invested, and fifty thousand more
^ould have to be spent before the work could be deemed com-
plete. " To the ladies," he i|emarked, " belongs the honor of
first making provision for hospital treatment. In 1863 was
established the Ladies' Infirmary, which afterwards was merged
into the Royal Hospital, the gentlemen in accepting the respon-
sibilities of the Institution, agreeing to make provision for
the care of women patients." ;

•' We are here to-day," the Prei^ident continued, " to inau-
gurate a very important branch of the service for the care of the

^- 150275

sick ; and we will endeavor always to provide the requisites for
its efficiency. We are well satisfied with the work of the ladies,
and we deem it advisable that our nurses should have an oppor-
tunity of learning their profession as thoroufjhly as possible.
As yet we have made no provision for maternity cases — but the
grounds are large. There is plenty of room for such an Institu-
tion, but of course it would have to be kept entirely separate
from the Hospital. In arranging for the inauguration of our
Training School, we have thought it but right and best to call
upon the oldest practitioner in the Province, one who is known
and loved by you all, to address you. He tells me that an
address less than an hour long is not worthy of the name, so I
propose to hold a watch upon him and see that he does not
shirk his duty. (Laughter.) I will now call on Hon. Dr.
Helmcken.

The veteran of the profession was warmly welcomed as he
responded to the call. He understood, he explained, that a
lecture lasting less than an hour, was no lecture at all, but he
did not propose to give a lecture, merely a talk. He then dived
at once into his subject.

HON. DR. HELMCKEN's ADDRESS.

What " matter" may really be : Whether or how it orig-
inated is unknown, perhaps unknowable. Much, however, is
known about its properties ; that it undergoes various and num-
erous changes in form and combination, nothing however being
lost. It is to these changes that the terms " beginning " and
"end," life and death, are in ordinary language applied. Yet
the beginning of one change has been, or is the end of a preced-
ing one, and the end of the new change will result in another,
so that in this respect there is neither beginning nor end ; but a
ring of changes, a circle without a beginning and without a
termination. Examining into the causes ot these changes in the
form of matter, it will be found that they all ensue from, and
are governed by so-called natural law. It seems indeed as
though every particle of matter, whether organic or inorganic,
has, under certain conditions, special and imperative functions
or duties to perform, these, as it were, being stamped on
them by law. In this sense every atom may be considered

^ui j

uisites for
the ladies,
an oppor-

possible.
5 — but the
in Institu-
y separate
on of our
est to call

is known
J that an
ame, so I
: does not
Hon. Dr.

med as he
!d, that a
II, but he
;hen dived

w it ong-
)\vever, is
and num-
ver being
ng " and
ied. Yet
a preced-
a.iother,
id ; but a
vithout a
jes in the
rom, and
ndeed as
lorganic,
functions
mped on
jnsidered

ERRATA.

Page 69, sixth line, the word "system" should read "■rythm'''

Page 69, the nineteeth line should read :
coeval with the human race, instinctive. Are not these the result

Page 69, twenty-first line, add after the word "transition"
" to the science of to-day "

the law may be, how or whether it had a beginning, is the problem,
the mystery which mankind has from the earliest to the present
day been endeavoring to discover and solve ; thus far the solution
has eluded their grasp. Of conceptions and theories there have
been a superabundance, those of one period being supplanted by
those of a later time, as though one generation lived to correct
the errors of its predecessors, and these to make others for suc-
cesors to examine and quarrel about with a similar result. The
origin of medicine, surgery and nursing must at least have been
coeval with the human race, instinctive. Are notTthe result
of instinctive atomg ?.. Whence the instincts, whence the tran-
sitioJTL?*"^ vvhen o^w&v^^o^\ that we know nothing of this,
we know the most. The tremendous advances made in
medicine and surgery during the past half century, are
in a great measure due to the discovery of anaesthetics
and antiseptics, greatly assisted by chemistry, improved mic-
roscopes, and of course, intellectual growth. During the
early days of my student life, pretty nearly half a century
ago, all operations, great or small, on children or adults, were
performed without the use of anything "to deaden pain." The
patient would be brought into the theatre ; with anxious
and besearching eye he beheld the surgeon, the numerous
students, and the surgical instruments ready on an uncovered
tray ; placed on the t''ble, the operation performed as quickly as
possible and then back to bed, very often faint and ghastly from
shock or loss of blood. Esmarcks' bandages unknown, but
ordinary bandages used to force as much blood into the body as
possible. In those days, rapidity in operating was of the utmost
importance ; so, occasionally sporting students noted the time,
" that leg came off in one minute and forty seconds, but did

■OW t Bt l *'" ! ^ ' "

«pw.i iiiw W1UC3L piitciiLiuiier m tne i^rovince, one who is known
and loved by you all, to address you. He tells me that an
address less than an hour long is not worthy of the name, so I
propose to hold a watch upon him and see that he does not
shirk his duty. (Laughter.) I will now call on Hon. Dr.
Helmcken.

HON. DR. HELMCKEN's ADDRESS.

What " matter" may really be ; Whether or how it orig-
inated is unknown, perhaps unknowable. Much, however, is
known about its properties ; that it undergoes various and num-
erous changes in form and combination, nothing however being
lost. It is to these changes that the terms " beginning " and
"end," life and death, are in ordinary language applied. Yet
the beginning of one change has been, or is the end of a preced-
ing one, and the end of the new change will result in another,
so that in this respect there is neither beginning nor end ; but a
ring of changes, a circle without a beginning and without a
termmation. Examining into the causes ot these changes in the
form of matter, it will be found that they all ensue from, and
are governed by so-called natural law. It seems indeed as
though every particle of matter, whether organic or inorganic,
has, under certain conditions, special and imperative functions
or duties to perform, these, as it were, being stamped on
them by law. In tiiis sense every atom may be considered

is known

that an

ime, so I

does not

ion. Dr.

ned as he
d, that a
1, but he
hen dived

w it ong-
)\vever, is
and num-
ver being
ng " and
ied. Yet
a preced-
I another,
id ; but a
vithout a
ges in the
Tom, and
ndeed as
norganic,
functions
mped on
onsidered

endowed with life, and, as it were, acting instinctively. If
atoms, and such atoms exist, the structures composed of collec-
tions of atoms must possess properties similar to the atoms.
What is life ? Is it a cause or consequence of change ? There
are millions of .changes constantly going on in the body ;
the normal ^ ) ^ t e m of which constitute health ; given the
contrary, what is termed illness ensues. Knowledge of
these laws are of the utmost importance to medical and
surgical science and nursing. What the nature or source of
the law may be, how or whether it had a beginning, is the problem,
the mystery which mankind has from the earliest to the present
day been endeavoring to discover and solve ; thus far the solution
has eluded their grasp. Of conceptions and theories there have
been a superabundance, those of one period being supplanted by
those of a later time, as though one generation lived to correct
the errors of its predecessors, and these to make others for suc-
cesors to examine and quarrel about with a similar result. The
origin of medicine, surgery and nursing must at lea^t have been
coeval with the human race, instinctive. Are noOne result
of instinctive atonig ?^ Whence the instincts, whence the tran-
sition ^''^vVhen Twe^^jyow that we know nothing of this,
we know the most. The tremendous advances made in
medicine and surgery during the past half century, are
in a great measure due to the discovery of anaesthetics
and antiseptics, greatly assisted by chemistry, improved mic-
roscopes, and of course, intellectual growth. During the
early daj's of my student life, pretty nearly half a century
ago, all operations, great or small, on children or adults, were
performed without the use of anything "to deaden pain." The
patient would be brought into the theatre ; with anxious
and besearching eye he beheld the surgeon, the numerous
students, and the surgical instruments ready on an uncovered
tray ; placed on the table, the operation performed as quickly as
possible and then back to bed, very often faint and ghastly from
shock or loss of blood. Esmarcks' bandages unknown, but
ordinary bandages used to force as much blood into the body as
possible. In those days, rapidity in operating was of the utmost
importance ; so, occasionally sporting students noted the time,
" that leg came off in one minute and forty seconds, but did

•MM

atitfiftf i rii i liM i i* !* ' *' * '

fiOplA^

not beat the record ;" junior students on the other hand would
not unfrequently faint in their seats, and no wonder. Compare
this with the present ; ether is administered to the patient in his
bed ; when unconscious, removed to the theatre ; operation
performed, the patient carried bacic without having' seen
the surgeon, instruments or anything else, in fact without
knowing, and frequently incredulous that the operation has been
performed. One would naturally imagine that such a heaven-
born blessing would have been received with enthusiasm and
deep felt thankfulness by all ; but it was not so, for soon ether
or chloroform being administered to women during their "con-
finement," religious zealots inveighed against its use, because
they asserted, the Almighty had ordained that women, at all
events, should suffer pain as a punishment for the disobedience
of Eve in the Garden of Eden, and so causing the "fall of man ;"
that giving chloroform was defying God's commands, and con-
sequently the vengeance of Heaven would fall on the country !
A paper war ensued on this subject. Had these zealots read an
earlier chapter they would have found that Adam had been
thrown into a deep sleep (unconscious of pat'fi ? ) before having
his rib reraov^djand this took place previous to the fall of man or
Eve's frflniE-rnfiginn Anyhow, the deep sleep is really very
suggestive of a knowledge of the use of hypnotism, narcotics or
anaesthetics of some kind having been known at least at the
time of Moses, and so became blended with the t«<a4jXUMHri,
fanciful Jewish theory of. creation and of the origin of
evil, moral and physical, in man and animals. A theory plain
and captivating from its charming simplicity ! I remember well
the first use of ether in Guy's Hospital ; Dr. Gull, the late Sir
William Gull, administered it, the patient consenting, for it
really amounted to an experiment on man, though not on
animals. The apparatus, very complicated; patient watched by
numerous assistants to note the pulse, breathing, etc., etc. ;
medical and surgical staff in full on the floor ; seats in the
theatre crowded with professional men and students ; patient
brought in ; ether administered ; unconsciousness ensues ; the
knife handed to the surgeon ; now all hold their breath ;
dread silence reigns, heads with staring eyes bend forward ; the
knife plunged at one stroke through the leg, then repeated on

hand would
Compare
atient in his
; operation
aving seen
ict without
Dn has been
h a heaven-
usiasm and
• soon ether
their " con-
se, because
•men, at all
isobedience
ill of man ;"
Is, and con-
be country !
lots read an
r> had been
fore having
II of man or
really very
narcotics or
least at the

origin of
heory plain
lember well
the late Sir
ting, for it
gh not on
watched by
etc., etc. ;
eats in the
ts ; patient
:nsues ; the
;ir breath ;
)rward ; the
epeated on

the opposite side, the limb is soon off ; not a groan issued from
the man ! All now take a full inspiration, shuffling of feet is
heard, the dreadful suspense is over and all shake hands, saying
wonderful ! miraculous ! Anyhow, time is of less importance
now, and so operations on internal organs are performed occu-
pying an hour or two, or even more, which, without the use of
ether, could not be performed at all. Moreover, the surgeon is
neither embarrassed by sympathy, nor hurried on account of the
shrieks or groans of the patient. Do not imagine that patients
always shrieked, or screached or groaned loudly during an
operation. Very many did not, the fortitude, pluck and endur-
ance of these poor people, men and women too, now excite my
wonder and admiration. Less courage may be required to go
to the gibbet. Englishmen can endure anything ; at least they
used to, and I cannot help thinking that the use of anaesthetics
for trival operations is an abuse, educating the people into
greatly exaggerated conceptions of pain, and so making them
timid.

With regard to Antiseptics. In my early days too the sur-
gical wards, although apparently scrupulously clean, were per-
vaded by a sickly unpleasant odour, arising from sloughing or
suppurating wounds, poultices included. Wounds would some-
times take many weeks to heal. To hide this nasty smell, the
nurses sometimes carried cascarilla bark in a brazier through the
ward, but later, at the recommendation of Sir William Burnett,
chloride of zinc was substituted for purifying the air, and as an
application to wounds, and with very beneficial results.
Although the germ theory of many diseases was then popular,
water dressings used and great cleanliness inculcated, still it
was not generally known that these sloughing erysipelatous,
contagious and suppurating wounds were caused by organised
pernicious bodies. It was left to Lister and Pasteur to demon-
strate these, devise the remedy, which has since been elabor-
ated. Dr. Davie will explain all these matters ; but it does
appear that the chief benefit accruing from the use of antiseptics,
arises from the absolute cleanliness demanded. I say absolute
cleanliness, this means the destruction of all injurious bacteria,
absolute purity of the surgeon, of the instruments, in fact of
everything and everybody in the room, including, of course, the

II HIII W MU I

atmosphere. This purity might be obtained by boiling, but this
would be rather disagreeable to the surgeons and assistants,
so to obviate this, chemical means called antiseptics, are em-
ployed for the destruction or prevention of the invasion of bac-
teria. Let me say here, that under the antiseptic treatment, the
suppurating, sloughing wounds are now seldom seen and the
nasty odour of surgical wards no longer exists. Indeed the air
in the wards of this Hospital is perhaps even purer than that out-
side, thier visible cleanliness wonderful, and most praiseworthy.
Many cases of amputation and other surgical operations may
to-day be seen in the wards, which have absolutely healed by
" first intention," without suppurating at all, and in a very few
days. By this new treatment, thousands of lives are almost
daily saved; in fact it has conje to this, that with antiseptic pre-
cautions operations are now performed with impunity and
success, which under more ancient procedure would in many
instances have proved fatal, or not been done at all. This scien-
tific treatment of course necessitates educated assistants as well
during as after the operation, and in greater number too, for it
is no small trouble, yet an absolutely necessary one, to prepare
the patients, instruments and every person and thing else for
every serious operation ; and to maintain these conditions in
the after treatment. The successes of surgery, and indeed of
medicine too, through the aid of anaesthetics and antiseptics, are
the wonders of the age. No one foresees what will happen
during the ensuing half century. Doubtless the discovery of
the infinite variety of bacteria and the knowledge of their catise
and effects will in time cause more changes in the treatment and
prevention of disease ; but the inquiry arises, how did these bac-
teria originate ? Are they capable of variation by crossing and
so forth, and so be productive of .""ew varieties and new diseases,
or have the diseases existed from time immemorial ? Is the
origin of bacteria comparatively modern, or more ancient than
man ? These micro-organisms, open up a tremendous and
enticing field for scientists and others. If the laboratory of
nature could be imitated, conditions might possibly be found
under which so-called inorganic atoms might be seen to become
endowed with vitality, transmutations and new creations dis-
covered. A veil may be lifted now and again, but there is

ng, but this
assistants,
:s, are em-
sion of bac-
atment, the
en and the
leed the air
nn that out-
aiseworthy.
fitions may
y healed by
I a very few
are almost
iseptic pre-
punity and
lid in many
Thisscien-
ints as well
too, for it
to prepare
iig else for
jnditions in
I indeed of
septics, are
vill happen
liscovery of
their cause
atment and
1 these bac-
rossing and
w diseases,
il? Is the
ncient than
ndous and
7oratory of
y be found
to become
lations dis-
ut there is

always another veil beyond. Causes, proximate and remote,
are spoken of, but tht remotest may ever be unknowable,
yet, nil desperandum, must be out motto. Is there a limit
to knowledge ? True it is, science teaches that in process
of time the conditions of our planet will be so changed that
animal life may improve, degenerate or cease to exist. The
universe may undergo . hangcs, but the Law compelling
these changes has existed, now exists and will exist for-
ever. Given the same conditions, similar results will ensue ;
but alter the conditions, the result will be dilVerent. W i, rever
is to be, will be, for law governs. Endow this powe^ririeiually,
with human attributes, then a Being, mentally, resi'iK. Of the
existence of a God no mortal can have a doub:, but of the
mysterious m'ure thereof, there will be, as there has ever been
with advancing light, fresh conceptions. Of the immalcrial, un-
chanyuable, and of the future of man it is not mine to talk;
man has a future.

One must not forget to mention the wonderful progress
made in anatomy and physiology, the isolation of the various
organs of the conglomerate brain, shewing their special functions
and duties ; the mapping of the connections leading to and from
them making diagnosis of diseases of the nervous system some-
what less difficult and cerebeal surgery a triumph. Having
mentioned somnambulism, brings mesmerism, hypnotism in its
train. These are all the same, verv ancient, and thus far have
not been much used either in modern medicine or surgery,
although by some vaunted as useful in both They have been
and are again sub judice so if there be anything of value in them
it will be brought to light. In the meanwhile, let them not be
trifled with, for they are productive of loss of intellect, of self-
control and in fact of degradation. It need hardly be said that
the amount of evil that may be caused by the use of this uncanny
means on the neurotic, hysterical and weak-minded may be
enormous and criminal. If ether, telegraphy and so forth, had
been used by philosophers and scientists three hundred years
ago, half the world would have burned the othi>r half for
witchcraft. A mania, some contagious terror or excitement,
religious or otherwise, overcoming reason, may some day again

'•^miii

arise, though perhaps not attributed to the devil, but to hypnot-
ism — mesmerizers.

Of course, nursing has improved also. Every one has read
of Sarah Gamp and Betsey Prig. Such beings lived, but at the
same time there existed many good, though needy nurses, having
hearts as large, sympathies as great or greater than existed
among their more fortunate, but perhaps not more skillful
brethren. Now a days, we have good, kind, sympathetic,
attentive and experienced nurses, many of whom have been
gradually educated by professional men, or in many instances,
by nurses older than themselves. Foi" ordinary purposes noth-
ing better need be desired. Many young people, however, wish
to follow this calling for the purpose of gaining an independent
livelihood, or other reason ; but the means of instruction are
wanting here. Good nurses a/e a blessing to the community
generally, in fact in some cases they are superior to the profes-
sional man, but ordinarily his valuable, cherished and respected
hand-maids. From what I have heretofore said, it will be gath-
ered that advanced and advancing surgery and medicine, neces-
sitate advanced nursing, and for this education is necessary,
the welfare of the community to a considerable degree, depend-
ing thereon. Taking this view of the matter, the education of
the nurses becomes a question of national importance. This
round-about and prosy prelude, brings me to the subject and
object of our meeting to-day, namely, the establishment of the
Provincial Royal Jubilee Hospital Training School for Nurses.
The Directors and Professional Staff knowing the absolute
necessity of educated nurses have rightly stepped in, determined
to supply the long desired and absolutely necessary scholastic
institution. Here let me thank you, my professional brothers,
for the compliment paid in desiring and requesting me to give
the inaugural address, which thus far has really been introduc-
tory, and perhaps somewhat irreUvent. I sincerely thank the
ladies and gentlemen likewise, for their attendance and attention.
Tlje idea of establishing a Training School for Nurses in Vic-
toria was first broached at the laying of the foundation stone of
that noble, benevolent institution, St. Joseph's Hospital. When
the citizens of Victoria determined to erect a monument to com-
memorate the Jubilee of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen,

]

"""mmumfi

Jt to hypnot-

one has read
d, but at the
irses, having

than existed
none skillful
sympathetic,
have been
ny instances,
irposes noth-
ovvever, wish

independent
jtruction are
e community

the profes-
md respected

will begath-
iicine, neces-
is necessary,
jree, depend-

education of
tance. This
e subject and
liment of the

1 for Nurses,
the absolute
1, determined
ry scholastic
mal brothers,
f me to give
een introduc-
ely thank the
ind attention,
irses ii! Vic-
ation stone of
pital. When
ment to com-
:y the Queen,

Dr. Davie urgently recommended that as the Royal Hospital
had become too small and otherwise unsuitable, the memorial
should take the form of a new Hospital. By dint of great per-
severance, he succeeded in having his conception carried into
effect, the present Provincial Royal Jubilee Hospital, being-
undoubtedly his resulting child — a child he loves with intensity.
Long may he live, and continue practically to show this love by
his remarkably skillful assistance to the sick and maimed herein.
It was likewise determined that as soon as means permitted,
a Training School for Nurses, and also a School of Medicine,
Surgery and their necessary allies, should be erected and estab-
lished in connection with the institution. The former has
already been done, but now the professional staff huve deter-
mined to make the education, if possible, perfect, by giving to
the nurses, probationers, and I hope, other outside nurses, a
series of practical lectures on subjects connected with their
calling. Being one of the profession, it would ill become me to
lavish praises on their generosity for the good of the community
at large. It will be seen then, that every inch of the land
around this Hospital will ere long be required and occupied by
these and allied institutions ; judging from the phenomenal
growth and prosperity of Victoria, the time is close at hand.
Let me then earnestly ask you, Mr. President, to use your best
endeavors to prevent any portion of this domain being sold, to
pay debts, of which rumours are abroad.

Sold ! Sir, it is written, "Thou shalt love the Lord God
with all thy heart, v/ith all thv soul, and with all thy might,"
this is the first and great commandment. The second is like
unto it, " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." These two
commandments cannot be separated. This land is sacred ; this
building-, consecrated to the love of our neighbor is sacred ; a
temple emblematical of the universal religion, unitmg all in one
common bond, charity. Its gates are open for the admission of the
afflicted, virtuous or depraved, independent of nation or creed.
In this temple the doctors are the priests and each nurse a
priestess, serving the distressed night and day. From within
these hallowed walls will be sent messengers, carrying the bless-
ings of skillful nursing to afflicted " neighbours " outside.

mmnm

Handsome temples exist, used for the purpose of devotion, of
shewing " Love to God," but if worshipers ^t these shrines fail
to realize that the lo\e of neighbour must be coupled with that
of God, their devotion must be spurious ; mere templeolatry,
idolatry, clanging bells, fashionable ceremony, fruitless, save
perhaps of self-deception. Were the devotion genuine, and of
the heart, neither the Jubilee Hospital nor other philanthropic
institutions would lack funds, for as we cannot give God any-
thing save adoration and service, so our love or service can
practically only be shewn by giving pecuniary and other assist-
ance to " our neighbour." Doubtless " love of our kind " is an
instinctive sentiment deeply engraven by law on the brain, and
would bear more abundant fruit, were it not that the ove of self
so assiduously, sometimes exclusively cultivated, represses,
stunts and in many instances strangles its growth, for the
organs of the brain may be made more powerful by culti-
vation and exercise ; the abnormal culture of one may starve
and cause wasting of others. Excuse this digression.

Dr. Richardson, the efficient Medical Officer, has taken
an active interest in and formulated a series of regulations
governing the Training School, so it is unnecessary for me
to rehearse this excellent and comprehensive code and
document. From it, however, it may be learned that the re-
muneration of an embryo nurse, will be for the first six months
five dollars per month ; ten for the ensuing twelve ; and fifteen
for the remainder of the term, including of course, board, lodg-
ings, and the neat, pretty uniform of the institution ; the educa-
tion received being equal to a considerable sum. Before any
■ can be admitted, even as a probationer, she must possess cer-
tain qualifications, of which I shall only allude to a couple or so.
Let not any one enter this calling from whim, caprice or some
temporary emotional cause ; think well over the matter, for it is
a very laborious and very responsible occupation, one that will
try the strength and temper to the utmost degree. The nurse
has no eight hours for work, eight for sleep, eight for amuse-
ment ! To be a good nurse, that peculiar disposition to befriend
the sufi"ering must be possessed ; indeed the ideal nurse is born,
not made ; love for her calling and kind must be predominant.
It follows th3n that she must be intelligent, of good health and

]

■ iii ni ii nwnHII I

devotion, of
shrines fail
;d with that
impleolatry,
litless, save
jine, and of
hilanthropic
e God any-
service can
3ther assist-
kind " IS an
e brain, and
! 'ove of self
, represses,
'th, for the
ul by culti-
may starve
ion.

has taken
regulations
^ary for me
code and
that the re-
six months
and fifteen
3oard, lodg-
; the educa-
Before any
possess cer-
:oiiple or so.
rice or some
tter, for it is
ne that will
The nurse
t tor amuse-
n to befriend
urse is born,
redominant.
1 health and

strength, and of a sympathetic, amiable disposition, orderly and
methodical. The above qualities are imperative. Cleanliness
and order are absolutely necessary too, as already said when
speaking of the use ol antiseptics. A neat, cleanly nurse in a
clean, orderly sick room, is a sight sufficient to call forth the
admiration of the Gods, but a sloven in a slovenly room, the
soiled clothes heaped in a corner hidden with a wrapper, and
other things in a muddle, is not only a source of danger, but
as unpleasant to the patient as to the professional attendant.
The success of a nurse will very much depend on her being so
nice, so gentle, so tender, so firm, assiduous, methodical and
skillful. Upon the nurse the life of many a patient depends, so
she must have an acute sense of responsibility. Her moral
character must be good ; principles steadfast, for there is no
calling more exposed to the temptation of every sense than that
of nurse, and so none need more to pray, " Lead us not into
temptation, deliver us from evil." Anyone can be pretty good
when there is no temptation. Menial and unpleasant work of
all kinds will fall to her lot, so fastidiousness has no place, yet
modest bearing must ever be present. Work in the kitchen is
of great importance, for the attendant on the siek must know
how to prepare food for invalids, as in many cases proper diet
is almost the only medical treatment necessary. Many a
patient's death has been caused by badly cooked or improper
aliments ; many by mistaken kindness of friends. In this mat-
ter be always governed by the professional man. Do this work
cheerfully, for it will come in use during the whole of your
career. The real education of the nurse must be in the wards
of the Hospital, at the bedside of the sick, let me hammer this
into you, for book work per se will never make a nurse. In the
wards you will and must learn to use and cultivate every sense;
the hand, eye, ear, nose and foot must be exercised and taught
by practice and observation, for when you know from practice
how to do a thing, it becomes a very easy matter and will not
be forgotten. Learn everything in the wards you possibly can,
seeing that in process of time you will sometimes be thrown on
your own resources, and then it is that the well educated nurse
proves her value. Let me say again and again, your practical
lessons must be learned in the wards of the Hospital, and in the

kitchen too ; there is no other way of gaining the requisite,
practical experience. This Jubilee Hospital being open to the
necessitous, independent of creed or nation, you will meet
therein with every variety of character and learn many a lesson,
moral and professional, of great import from these our " neigh-
bours." Here may be seen the imbecile, he is one of four, three
are dead, this one has to follow ; children of drunken parents.
Close by lies a poor, miserable emaciated child, with large,
narrow jaw and unhealthy skin, he is the offspring of immoral
progenitors. It would be easy to point out others, they suffer
for faults not their own. Here then, may be learned a profes-
sional meaning of the words, "I thy God am a jealous God,
visiting the sins of the fathers on the children unto the third and
fourth generation of them that hate Me, and show mercy unto
thousands in them that love Me and keep My commandments."
This is as true to-day as six thousand years ago, when perhaps
it may have been graven in tablets of clay, or chiselled on stone
— the custom of the times. If one could set dovvn in numerals
the amount of misery caused by disobedience to lavv', one would
stand appalled. No one can tell how much the character of a
nation has been altered, or is being altered by vice of every
kind. The character, and the constitution of the child is
placed on it before birth, the kind depending very much on
whether the parents have obeyed or disobeyed moral laws.
Vice may destro)' a nation. There is an example before
our eyes ; the aborigines of this country, who have been and are
still being destroyed by the consequences of imported immorality
and disease. If parents, after death, could see the fruit of their
disobedience and have it constantly before their eyes, without
ability to remedy, could they suffer any greater punishment or
torment ? The duties of the nurses in the wards are multifarious ;
are detailed in the curriculum, but the paramount duty of a nurse
is obedience to her superiors^ and a cheerful obedience at this, for
please remember you are scholars, and discipline must be had.
A child might with equal justice, complain of having to learn the
alphabet. You must in turn also keep strict discipline in the
wards, and here it is that a good, moral gentle disposition will
induce and maintain order amongst the roughest characters, for
all are impressed and hushed before a guileless, modest

le requisite,

open to the
Li will meet
iny a lesson,
our " neigh-
)f four, three
cen parents.

with large,
r of immoral
5, they suffer
ed a profes-
jealous God,
the third and
V mercy unto
nandments. "
ifhen perhaps
lied on stone

in numerals
,v, one would
haracter of a
vice of every
the child is
jry much on

moral laws,
unple before

been and are
;d immorality
; fruit of their
;yes, without
unishment or
multifarious ;
tity of (I nurse
ce at this, for

must be had.
ig to learn the
cipline in the
sposition will
:haracters, for
iless, modest

woman ; but given the contrary, a very different state of
affairs may arise. Be good to all, for they, whether abandoned
or good, are "our neighbours." Assuredly, the nurse may
be powerful for good or evil. See that poor unfortunate
in yonder cot — dying — no friend, no soothing relative near.
Tend her carefully, and if perchance a pitying tear should
drop on the face of this poor, forsaken woman, accompanied by
some tender words, they may have the effect of inducing her
hopefully to leave for that bourne whence no traveller returns.
Who can tell of her surroundings, her history ? Is she the
victim of inherited vice, or of an abnormal, too emotional
brain, or of unprincipled man? Who throws the first stone?

The other part of your education will be attendance at
the lectures given by the professional staff of the Hospital, and
this is the new and very important scholastic addition; although
in no way superceding the teaching of the wards, they will be
very valuable adjuncts. I am told that these lectures are to be
practical, demonstrative and explanatory, giving the reasons
why this or that is, or something else should not be done. To
my mind, the " Objective " is by far the best method of teaching
and learning, when possible. What is learned by the eye, ear
and the senses generally, is easily remembered and digested; on
the other hand, teaching without demonstration, often leads to
vague fancies and false impressions. I asked a school boy
repeating the " tables," What is a hogshead ? He answered,
"A pigshead, to be sure." Something similar to this is often
ie result of being crammed with not understood technical terms,
even in adults. Anyhow, give the lectures your earnest atten-
tion, for they will bring important points prominently to your
notice, and teach you how to act in cases of emergency. Take,
note and treasure them. If you feel in doubt, be sure to ask
the lecturer after his discourse is over, and doubtless he will
have much pleasure in giving an explanation.

Bye and bye you will leave this Institution, and have
to seek a livelihood by the use of your calling. Do not
imagine the path of the nurse to be strewn with roses.
Swim who can ; who can't, go under. The most skillful,
nice, sympathetic and assiduous will come to the front ;

some may become teachers in Training' Schools, or get mar-
ried, but many will have to be attendants on the sick. Do
not fancy that this will be giving orders and directing others to
carry them out, for depend on it, in by far the majority of cases,
you will have to do the most yourself, and therefore, I say again,
learn everything possible whilst here. Often too, in emergen-
cies you will have to act immediately and on your own respon-
sibility, and ignorance may be death. In the houses of the
opulent there may be and undoubtedly often will be found good
and comfortable quarters, nice people and assistants, but not
unfrequently, even here, there will be disagreeable, querulous,
exacting and never satisfied people, but remember, sickness
alters the natural character of individuals, and therefore, bear
with patience these vagaries. When recovered they may turn
out grateful friends, or begrudge your rightful, perhaps modest
remuneration ; nursing is, generally speaking, undervalued.
Now, take warning, never carry tales from one house to another.
Tale bearing works often irreparable misery, and in the end
will cause the tale bearing nurse to be shunned. Every
house is said to have a skeleton in the cupboard. Mind
not to make it known. Keep your eyes open but your mouth
closed. If the professional attendant ought to know, tell him
privately; never dispute at the bedside. Sometimes you will be
called to people of the so-called middle class. Here there will
be work as well as nursing to be done, for in many instances
you will have to take the place of the mother, clean the room,
and the children, hear them lisp a tiny, simple prayer, and
most likely have to prepare, or at least see to the preparation of
the food for the patient, which always is of the utmost importance,
particularly in medical cases, with which indeed you will have
the most to do, so please mind and pay every attention to the
medical wards and kitchen whilst here. Sometime or other, a
poor " neighbour " may ask your sympathy and assistance, and
a true nurse never can refuse to lend a helping hand. In this
perhaps miserable abode, you may kindly scrub floors and
children, clean up generally and put everything in order, for you
know that cleanliness, pure air and decent diet are often the
only necessaries, but in these instances the most difficult to get.
The poor are always ready and willing to make great sacrifices

the [

" lil niMni

or get mar-
e sick. Do
ng others to
ity of cases,
I say again,
in emergen-
own respon-
)uses of the
! found good
nts, but not
;, querulous,
)er, sickness
jrefore, bear
ey may turn
haps modest
undervalued.
le to another,
i in the end
led. Every
)ard. Mind
: your mouth
low, tell him
s you will be
-e there will
I}- instances
m the room,
prayer, and
-eparation of
importance,
ou will have
ntion to the
D or other, a
istance, and
nd. In this
floors and
rder, for you
ire often the
icult to get.
at sacrifices

and lend a helping hand to a suffering neighbour. It is among
the poor, yea even the so-called abandoned, that true kind
hearted sympathy and help shine gloriously. What they give
is frequently almost their all, given ungrudgingly too, whether
it be looking after the children, working about the house or
bringing food and help to the patient. It is not conventional,
but instinctive. No wonder the widow's mite was the most
acceptable. The poor do not seek an excuse in the sometimes,
but far from always fact, that their neighbour has but himself to
blame. They feel that the wife and little children must at all
events be looked to, that they are to be pitied, not blamed. Per-
haps it would be well were everybody to go through a course of
poverty, for no one can know what poverty and illness combined
are who has neither seen nor experienced the painful and terrible
reality. If the opulent had a real knowLdge of these, their
sympathy and assistance would be greater. The nurse among
the poor is looked on as a ministering angel, her moral influence
and conquests over evil are great. Here it is that she and the
Salvation Army can do, and do so much good to wandering
sheep which the comfortable shepherd seldom finds. Thankful
we ought to be that so little poverty exists in this glorious,
healthy and prosperous country. The greatest burden the
conscientious nurse has to bear is responsibility ; it is an awful
load to carry. Do you know what responsibility means ? Look
at this poor woman, parchad with fever, emaciated, tremu-
lous hands picking at the bet. clothes, utterly helpless, perpetu-
ally restless, yet cannot move ; unable to speak, save
perhaps in a whisper, and then incoherently ; the eye dim, the
features pinched, solemn silence reigns ; little children, shoeless,
creep about, or with tearful eyes and breaking hearts cling to
your dress, and sobbing say, "Nurse, oh don't let mamma die."
There is no hope for this poor woman, save perhaps in the
assiduous, unwearied attention of the nurse ; she gives it with-
out stint, yet in spite of her best efforts the eyes grow dim, the
ears pinched, the hand ceases to tremble, and so the end comes
nearer and more near, and one knows not the moment when time
mingles wilh eternity. When you see the forlorn husband
heart-broken and the children weeping, you will ask yourself,
" Did I do all I could to save this poor woman ?" Bye and bye

mmm

the solemn call of the church bell is heard, and with each sound
the question will syise, "Could I have done any more to pre-
vent these poor little children becoming motherless ?" Sometime
or other these little ones may be met in the hands of strangers
or as waifs and strays uncared for, and then the same question
will arise, " Did I do all I could to prevent these poor children
loosing a mother's care?" The night comes on with its depress-
ing gloom, and then when in the dreadfully silent, companion-
less chamber, with shadows on the wall, and no sound save the
warning tick, tick of the clock is heard, you feel yourself
influenced by that awful power, Law — God — God — Law — that
governs the Universe, before which all should bend the knee and
bjw the head, and then when self speaks to self, it will be well
if self in each of us can answer, " Yes, I have this day done
my duty to my neighbour. " This is responsibility and effects ;
the picture is not overdrawn. Every conscientious nurse and
professional man feels this, and indeed it is hard to bear. We
can but do the best we can, and can do no more, Tor our power
is limited. Take the other side. Your charge, owing to your
assiduous care, attention and skill improves, she sleeps calmly,
the eye becomes bright, she eats and drinks, soon begins to help
herself, and bye and bye rises from her bed ; looks gratitude
and thankfulness to her nurse, and ever will be a loving friend.
No more horrible gloom and silence, but sunshine streams in,
merry children romp around or nestle about mamma, who strokes
their hair and lovmgly ceresses them. Soon Christmas comes ;
the joyous little ones go round the Christmas tree ; now they go
round the Christmas tree ; nurse joins in, the Christmas tree —
the Christmas tree ; round about the Christmas tree ; now
mamma, papa, come and go round the Christmas tree,
and here let us all join in, and as hand-in-hand we dance
round the Christmas tree, with the merry, innocent little ones,
heartily wish these kind nurses A Merry Christmas, and many,,
many happy years, successful in their career, ennobled by their
calling, beloved and admired by " neighbours."

#--^^^

Miiiiiii»riWi'iiilir<lliij:ii:j^a,ii:i.ii '.

'inmiiiiiit-'.

th each sound

more to pre-
?" Sometime

of strangers
;ame question
poor children
;h its depress-
, companion-
)und save the

feel yourself
I — Law — that
the knee and
; will be well
[his day done
{ and effects ;
>us nurse and
to bear. We
for our power
»wing to your
leeps calmly,
begins to help
)ks gratitude
loving friend.
2 streams in,
I, who strokes
itmas comes ;

now they go
istmas tree—
s tree ; now
•istmas tree,
nd we dance
nt little ones,
IS, and many,
sbled by their

**•'*

iirti^iwlijg^^ijliity-