The broken window

[David Orsam]

Hi Simon,

I hope you won't mind me asking you a question re. the above.

Why do you say that Dr Gabe was not a gynaecologist?

In case Simon Wood missed this question originally. I'm sure he must be eager to explain his reasoning to us.

[Simon Wood]

Hi David,

My dear chap, I've been positively champing at the bit.

The reason I said Gabe wasn't a gynaecologist was because he never hung out this qualification on his shingle.

But he was a founding fellow of the British Gynaecological Society. However, most members of this society were general practitioners.

In 1888 he was listed as an M.D. and surgeon, as is shown by this entry in the Post Office Directory for his practice at 76 Farringdon Street.



But I have no doubt you'll put me right.

Regards,

Simon

[Hunter]

I was under the impression that even medical professionals specializing in a certain field were still designated (professionally) as simply MD and/or surgeon until the mid 20th century?

[David Orsam]

The reason I said Gabe wasn't a gynaecologist was because he never hung out this qualification on his shingle.

But he was a founding fellow of the British Gynaecological Society. However, most members of this society were general practitioners.

In 1888 he was listed as an M.D. and surgeon, as is shown by this entry in the Post Office Directory for his practice at 76 Farringdon Street.

Hi Simon,

Have you been aware all along that Dr Gabe was a fellow of the British Gynaecological Society? But you didn't think this was relevant information to mention when you told packers stem that Gabe was 'not a gynaecologist' in response to his suggestion that Gabe might have been checking Kelly for signs of pregnancy?

And are you seriously trying to claim that, despite being a fellow of the British Gynaecological Society, Gabe was not a gynaecologist?

Of course he was a gynaecologist, Simon!

[David Orsam]

I was under the impression that even medical professionals specializing in a certain field were still designated (professionally) as simply MD and/or surgeon until the mid 20th century?

Absolutely Hunter. If one looks in the medical directories for the period, one simply won't find a group of doctors labelled "gynaecologists". And one would not expect a doctor with gynaecological expertise to be labelled a "gynaecologist" in the directories. So there is nothing inconsistent with Gabe's directory entry of 'M.D. Surgeon' with him having been a gynaecologist. As a fellow of the British Gynaecological Society he obviously was a gynaecologist as we would understand the term.

[Simon Wood]

Hi David,

I love it when you boys circle the wagons and huddle around the camp fire for mutual comfort and safety.

I would suggest a reading of "The Science of Woman: Gynaecology and Gender in England 1800-1929", by Ornelia Moscucci, 1991.

Keep safe and warm.

Regards,

Simon

[David Orsam]

I would suggest a reading of "The Science of Woman: Gynaecology and Gender in England 1800-1929", by Ornelia Moscucci, 1991.

Hi Simon,

I assume you mean Ornella Mosucci. How does she contradict anything I have said?

And wouldn't it be easier to dig out some examples of nineteenth century gynaecologists from that directory of yours to show us what their entries should look like?

[Simon Wood]

Hi David,

A mere typo becomes a capital crime to you.

You haven't said anything yet. All you've done is stamp your foot, have a bit of a tantrum and insist you're right.

I'll leave you to dig them out.

Regards,

Simon

[curious4]

Don't know if this link is still viable:

Bob Hinton posted photos of a period spring lock here:

http://www.casebook.org/forum/messages/4921/6718.html

He has even more photos that he took, and even made a mock up, which he filmed.

Best wishes
C4

Yes, still there but you have to scroll down to get to the pictures

[David Orsam]

A mere typo becomes a capital crime to you.

In what way did you think I was suggesting it was a capital crime or even a criticism of you? It was a statement of fact which actually contained a typo itself because the correct name is Ornella Moscucci.

[David Orsam]

You haven't said anything yet.

Yes I have. I've said that Dr Gabe, a fellow of the British Society of Gynaecologists, was (of course) a gynaecologist.

If that isn't a clear statement I honestly don't know how I can put it more clearly for you.

[Simon Wood]

Hi David,

Yes, you have made a clear statement.

And it's loud, confident and wrong.

Regards,

Simon

[David Orsam]

Hi David,

Yes, you have made a clear statement.

And it's loud, confident and wrong.

Would you care to explain why?

[Simon Wood]

Hi David,

I'm certain you can find out for yourself.

Regards,

Simon

[David Orsam]

I'm certain you can find out for yourself.

But I don't believe I am wrong Simon. It is patently obvious that a fellow of the British Gynaecological Society could properly be described as a gynaecologist.

That alone could explain Dr Gabe's presence at Miller's Court on 9 November 1888.