30 SEPTEMBER 1916, Page 19

Women's Plate in the World.—A reprint of an address by

Sir Dye. Duckworth to the Women's Diocesan Association (Jerrold and Sons, 6d. net), in which the eminent physician utters a warning to all those who are striving to place women for the future in active competition with men. " We doctors fully recognize the varied capacities of women, we know their specific peculiarities, and, no less, their frailties. 1Ve desire a fair field for the employment of their abilities as women." Sir Dyce Duckworth goes on to detail some of the activities for which women are fitted, and it is interesting to notice the distinctions ho draws. Thus, while admitting their suitability as doctors, ho disapproves "of female surgeons for the care and operative treatment of wounded soldiers." Again, women are well adapted as accountants, chemists, bookbinders, and for_employment in gardening and agricultural work, but he holds that the Law is " no proper profession for women " and " the practical pursuit of architecture " both unfitting and unnatural for them.