CHAPTER III

THE FOUNDER OF MODERN NURSING (1860)

Three great contributions of the 19th century to the relief of human suffering in disease. Miss Nightingale's place in the history of nursing--The founder not of nursing, but of modern nursing--Her peculiar fitness for directing tendencies of the time towards improved nursing. II. Condition of nursing at the time--Miss Nightingale's influence in raising it from a menial occupation to a trained profession. III. Force of her _example_--Enthusiasm excited by her among women. IV. Force of her _precept_--_Notes on Nursing_ (1859-60)--The text-book of the New Model in Nursing-- Popularity of the book--Reminiscences of the Crimea in it--"Minding Baby." V. Some characteristics of the book--General grasp of principles, combined with minuteness of detail--Delicacy of observation, and fineness of sympathy--Epigrammatic expression. VI. Importance of training in the art of nursing--The _Notes_ as a prelude to _practice_ 439