FIRST LADIES

These cap-and-gowners, Shirley M. Gallup, Doris B. Bennett, Martha K. Caires, Edith L. Stone, and eight other classmates last week received the first M.D. degrees ever awarded to women by Harvard Medical School. At graduation, they were the symbolical victors of a century-long battle. It was in 1847 that the first woman began trying to get into the medical school; but Harvard would have none of her, nor of any women thereafter (one reason: too many medical women graduates never bothered to practice). Finally, in 1945, when the wartime shortage of doctors had become acute, Harvard relented and admitted twelve out of 75 applicants. The girls did well. No one flunked, and two made cum laude (along with 14 men students). Next year, Harvard, impressed with the performance of the first twelve, plans to have at least 23 girl medics.

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