Life of Amelia Wilhelmina Sieveking

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1863 edition. Excerpt: ...that I have thus acquired experience in the treatment of the patients.' 'Noon. 'I told you before of our social meals, but we rarely all meet now, as first one, then another, is hindered by LIFE IN THE CHOLERA HOSPITAL. 253 business, and at dinner both the physician and surgeon are generally absent, as both have autopsies at half-past one. The young Dr. Siemssen is, as far as I can judge, an excellent hospital doctor, decided, firm, vigorous, kindly and attentive. He always listens readily to my suggestions about the patients, and meets my wishes as far as he can; indeed his whole conduct towards myself is all that I could desire. 'From all that goes on in the outer world we are quite isolated--at least I am. I hear scarcely anything but what comes to me in letters, which I am often unable to read for some time. Of new faces I see plenty, especially doctors who come to inspect the hospital, but conversation with them is quite out of the question--at most we may exchange a few words about the patients. When the great fire happened lately in the city I observed it at once, as I was sitting up at the time, but I forbade the nurses to mention it before the patients, lest it should excite or alarm them. At dinner I asked the gentlemen where it was, and not one of them had heard that there had been any fire at all. 'Since yesterday I have a small sitting-room and bedroom to myself, close to the ward, which were not ready when I came. Of course I cannot spend much time there, liut it is pleasant to have a place of refuge where it is possible to be alone for a few moments, &c.' 'October 21st. 'I have not been able to write to my dear mother for these few days; for though I sometimes had half an hour to spare, it was always when I was feeling...