2 AUGUST 1969, Page 9

A. hundred years ago From the 'Spectator. 31 July 1869—There

is. at last, a university in Great Britain where women may study medicine and take degrees entitling them to practise. The University of Edinburgh has the credit of taking the lead in the reform, and has made it complete by authorising the establishment of separate classes for female medical students, an arrange- ment not found necessary either in France or America, but agreeable to British habits. This great concession is due, we believe, mainly to the energy and perseverance of Miss S. Jex- Blake. who... at last persuaded the Senate of the Edinburgh University that women. having bodies. ought to be permitted to know a little about them, and use that knowledge for the benefit of others.