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Editorial February 12, 1853

The North Carolinian

Fayetteville, Cumberland County, North Carolina

What is this article about?

A satirical editorial by Fanny Fern responds to the Boston Journal's advocacy for female physicians, humorously imagining the appeal of a female doctor to a sick bachelor, ultimately expressing mock reluctance while highlighting gender roles in medicine.

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Female Physicians.—The Boston Journal strongly advocates the introduction of females into the ranks of the medical profession. We consider the needle a much more appropriate weapon in the hands of woman than the scalpel or bistoury.—Exchange.

Do you? Just suppose yourself a forlorn sick bachelor, in the upper story of some noisy boarding house, whose inmates don't care a pinch of snuff whether you conclude to die, or get well. Suppose you've watched that spider in the corner weave his web, till you are quite qualified to make one yourself; suppose you have counted, for the thousandth time, all the shepherdesses, distorted little dogs, and crooked trees, on the papered wall of your room; gnawed your finger nails to the very quick, and twitcned your mustache till every hair stands up on its own individual responsibility. Then—suppose just as you are at the last gasp, the door opens, gently, and admits (not a great creaking pair of boots containing an oracular, solemn M. D., grim enough to frighten wits the churchyard) but a smiling, rosy cheeked, bright eyed, nice little live woman doctress. Well, she pushes back her curls, throws off her shawl (Venus! what a figure!) pulls off her glove, and takes your hand in those little fingers. Holy mother! How your pulse races! She looks at you so compassionately from those soft eyes; lays her hands on your forehead, and then questions you demurely about your "symptoms," (a few of which she sees without any of your help!) Then she writes a prescription with those dainty little fingers, and tells you to keep very composed and quiet, (just as if you could) smooths the tumbled quilt—arranges your pillow—shades the glaring sunlight from your aching eyes, with an instinctive knowledge of your unspoken wants; and says with the sweetest smile in the world, that she'll "call again in the morning;" and so—the fold of her dress flutters through the door; and then you crawl out of the bed the best way you can—clutch a looking glass to see what the probabilities are that you have made a favorable impression! inwardly resolving (as you replace yourself between the blankets.) not to get quite well as long as she will come to see you. Well, the upshot of it is, you have a delightful lingering attack of heart complaint! For myself, I prefer prescriptions in a masculine hand! shan't submit my pulse to anything that wears a bonnet!—Fanny Fern.

What sub-type of article is it?

Feminism Science Or Medicine

What keywords are associated?

Female Physicians Women In Medicine Fanny Fern Satire Gender Roles Medical Profession

What entities or persons were involved?

Fanny Fern Boston Journal

Editorial Details

Primary Topic

Satirical Debate On Female Physicians

Stance / Tone

Satirical Advocacy For Women In Medicine

Key Figures

Fanny Fern Boston Journal

Key Arguments

Needle More Appropriate For Women Than Scalpel Female Doctor Provides Compassionate Care Appealing To Patients Male Doctors Are Grim And Unappealing Humorously Reluctant To Submit To Female Doctor Despite Appeal

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