CHAPTER I

THE QUEEN, MISS NIGHTINGALE, AND LORD PANMURE (AUGUST-NOVEMBER 1856)

"Muddling through a war": the favourable moment for reform. Advantage taken of the opportunity after the Crimean War for the better sanitation of the British Army--Co-operation of Sidney Herbert and Miss Nightingale. II. Her passionate desire to lessen preventable mortality in the future--Examination of the figures of mortality in the army during peace--Her admiration of the heroism of the British soldier--Her opportunity and sense of responsibility. III. A short holiday at Lea Hurst--Acquaintance with Mr. Kinglake--Invitation from Sir James Clark to Ballater--A visit from Queen Victoria likely--Miss Nightingale's preparations: consultation with Sir John McNeill and Colonel Lefroy--Miss Nightingale's plan of campaign. IV. First visit to Balmoral--Visit from the Queen at Sir J. Clark's--Conversations with the Queen and the Prince Consort--Miss Nightingale requested to remain to see the Secretary for War. V. Awaiting Lord Panmure--Advice from Sir J. McNeill--"Command visit" to Balmoral--Conversations with Lord Panmure--Appointment of a Royal Commission promised--Establishment of an Army Medical School favoured--Miss Nightingale to report on her experiences. VI. Conferences of Miss Nightingale's "Cabinet"-- Provisional selection of Royal Commissioners: draft of their instructions--Interview with Lord Panmure in London: points won and lost--The _personnel_ of the Commission 311