Peiyang Woman,s [sic] Hospital, Tientsin, China.My dear Miss Turner;
Your letter dated February 11th came a few days ago. As I look over my days of February I noticed that day was a busy one for me. That very Sunday I was called to deliver a case way out in country. The village is about twenty miles from here. We went in automobile. I took one asssistant [sic] and three nurses. I knew it would be a hard case or else these country people would not call upon a doctor. So far as my obstetrical cases are concerned a professor of any university hospital would envy my practice. We have so many interesting cases. I wish you could have been with me on that trip. They thought we were wizards. It only took us half an hour to have everything finished.
Yes, I have been Towne House last time when I was at college. Mr. Towne, a member of college board took me there. I am right in midst of city and I wish we could have a country house where we could go for a change. Fortunately I have a separate building entirely for myself. Soon I shall go away for a rest. I was out seventy times night and day in February. I want to get some help but the trouble is that there are very few women doctors in China. If we could find a young doctor we would welcome one. So far I have no one in view. One promised to come but her health failed her. There are ten nurses working at this hospital. I have a good business manager but she is leaving soon for a medical education at Michigan University. I have ahigh [sic] school graduate who is coming this fall to take her place. It would take some time to train a new one as she has no educational background. The present business manager is a college graduate and is able to do a great deal of important correspondence for me. However I am happy for her futher [sic] chance in education.
I am so sorry for the recent unfortunate fire at Rockefeller Hall. I got this news in a paper which a friend sent me. Your letter confirmed the news. I am glad t at [sic] you are going to have a building soon. When I come back to America afew [sic] years from now I would like to visit college again. There might be many changes by that time. After four years work I will go away for six months at least. You said in your letter that you are going to do some studying this coming year. I wish that you could come to China for some special studies. Rockefeller Medical College at Peking offers research work in physiology. It is well equipped so a student would have chances for advanced work. I read quite a number of interesting articles on their research. So far as professors are concerned they are young and they lack experience. Helen Vincent is there. She is in obstetrical department. Peking is only three hours from Tientsin but I have not seen ehr yet. Grace Yang told me about her. By the way there is a Mount Holyoke Girl at Tientsin who is connected with Congregational Church. I cannot think of her name now. It sounds like Ruth Sulvins.
Since coming home I see more the need of our country for education. China would be a great nation provided she has the right kind of education for her people. Many must be industrial education whereby they can earn their living. I might not be able to see the day when my country would be able to provide education for every girl and boy. But as long as I am able I would provide a primary education for as many as possible. Outside of my profession I am interested in two primary schools, a refugee home, a work shop and tubercular patients. I am a great believer in occupational therapy. We try to provide work for our patients who are able to work. This helps them to be independent.
I have been interrupted so many times in writing this letter. Now I will close this letter with a great deal of my love. This happens to be a rainy day so our clinic is small. Now I must go out for some professional calls. With seasonal greetings;
Yours lovingly,
M. I. Ting.March 16¢ 1923.