Preface
This little volume has been prepared especially for the use of student nurses. Most of the material has been condensed from the four volumes of the larger History of Nursing and those who wish a more detailed and complete account of nursing history will find it necessary to refer constantly to this earlier and fuller edition. Certain of the more recent developments will however be found only in this volume.
It is generally believed that the best place in the nursing curriculum for the History of Nursing is in the early part of the first year, when the student is just beginning to form her conception of nursing and is being initiated into its traditions. It is hoped that this story of her very ancient and honourable vocation will serve to fire her zeal and to strengthen her purpose, and that the examples of many distinguished nursing leaders of the past will help her better to understand and carry on the splendid traditions which they have established.
It is suggested that the detailed study of the modern period and the discussion of modern pro-
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