Personal

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 11, 10 June 1893, Page 12

Personal

Mrs LONGSHORE POTTS, M.D

About forty years ago eight brave and original Quaker girls of Philadelphia appalled medical traditions and confounded the professional world generally by formally graduating from the Womens Medical College and boldly venturing out in the practice of medicine. Up to that time a woman physician was unheard of, though the necessity for them had often been felt. One of these identical girls (writes a contemporary) is Mrs Longshore Potts, M.D. Hers has been a life of unusual activity and one that has brought a rich harvest in the' good that sire has done, particularly to women. Her brother Joseph, the renowned gynaecologist, recognising the inefficiency of men in dealing with the delicate ailments of women, was one of the founders of the College above referred to. Mrs Doctor Potts practised her profession in Philadelphia for a number of years. Her wide experience established the belief that teaching practical physiology would largely prevent disease. One of her axioms is that good health and morality are so so closely allied as to be almost synonymous. Whenever opportunity offered she lectured on medical subjects. Her eloquence and learning, coupled with all the better attributes of woman, were so striking that the demand for such tasks persuaded her to devote all her time to them. During the last ten years she has travelled around the world taking six people with her, a task few men are capable of. She was the recipient of many flattering attentions from the press and public in all the countries visited Few, if any persons, have won the praises of every English Metropolitan journal in the world as she has. Her personal friends are among, the notables of the world. While an advocate of dress reform, she appears in the most magnificent gowns by Worth. Mrs Dr. Potts will make her appearance here at the Theatre Royal next Tuesday afternoon at three o’clock in an address to women only. This will introduce a course of five./ ; All will be illustrated'by magnificent stereopticon views, which ivilp include many of art and travel.

Of Post says : —“ At St. James Hall, last evening, Mrs Longshore Potts, M.D., delivered the first of a series of lectures ;oh medical ,subjects. She was introduced in a most eulogistic manner by Gen. Merritt, Consul-General fob the U.S., in which that gentler man .said.— Dr. Potts, has gained great distinction in her native country as a physician.” The lecture consisted of manjr sound, commonsense propositions, enlivened with occassional flashes of humour.” Next Thursday night Mrs Dr Potts will •deliver her famous lecture on “ Hearts and Homes,” or “ Is .Marriage a Failure ?” to both sexes. Tuesday’s lecture will be free.-