Working Women of the Last Half Century

W. & F. G. CASH, 5, BISHOPSGATE STREET WITHOUT.

DUBLIN: J. Mc GLASHAN AND J. B. GILPIN.
EDINBURGH: JOHN MENZIES.

VIA

PREFACE.

THE gleaner in a rich harvest field is able to present as good a sample of the golden grain in a few ears as if the whole produce were exhibited. Even so it is hoped the following pages of Biographic Gleanings will shew how much the mind and character of woman have aided the mental and moral progress of the present century.

The last fifty years have been peculiarly marked by improvement in female education among nearly all classes. This has not been effected for woman, but by her.

Excellence in many departments of mental and moral activity has characterized the memorable women who have passed away in the time specified. To name those entitled to gratitude for their literary merits chiefly, is not the purpose of this book. The characters here selected may each be considered representative of a class. In

order to form correct theories as to what woman might do as a social reformer, it is well to observe what, under great disadvantages, she has done. Our labours in the present, and our hope of the future, must be greatly influenced by the use we make of the experience of the past, and woman's mission is best ascertained by a study of those who have fulfilled that mission well.

Paddington, Nov. 1853.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

Term working classes.-Woman must be a worker.

-Woman the reformer:-Domestic view of public

questions.-Duty to society.-Biography a study

peculiarly valuable to woman.-False estimates.----

Strength manifested in weakness.-Woman in the

present age

CHAPTER II.

MRS. TRIMMER.