A Letter written on Jan 9, 1924

Peiyang Woman's Hospital, Tientsin, China.

My dear Miss Turner:

Your letter dated December the second came to me on New Year's Day. This is also a holiday. But hospital had its work as any other day. Our morning clinic is among the poor and most of them are uneducated. They do not observe this day. They still hold on to our old calender. [sic] Our Year comes in February. Thanksgiving Day is not observed here and I almost forgot about it until you mentioned in your letter. I was glad to know that you had a delightful time on that day.

I had a very delightful evening in reading the yearly report of Miss Wooley. [sic] I was at the twentith [sic] anniversary of her inauguration. That was a pleasant memory. I also like what she said about the campaign. I personaly [sic]do not like this method. I did not know that the science building named in honor of Dr. Clapp is in need of a sum of $300.000. I am hastening in sending you a sum of fifty dollars gold. The exchange is bad so it takes almost two dollars for one dollar gold. This small sum is to express just a small share of my gratitude for the good training I have received from the biological departement of Mount Holyoke College. As I was sending a draft to Dr. Mary H. McLean for something I wanted her to get for me. I combined the check and in tern [sic] she would send you fifty dollars for me as soon as she receives my check. I hope before the seventeenth of March you would have the required sum for the much needed building.

Mount Holyoke College is indeed progressing. If I should have the chance to come to America again certainly I would visit you. I hope to send my niece to you for college education before she takes up her professional study in dentistry. She is just twelve now. She has six years of Chinese education to finish before she could take up college work. There are some Mount Holyoke graduates at Tientsin but we hardly ever see each other. We are scattered and our work keeps us busy.

I want to thank you for the money order I received from you before Christams. [sic] Exchange for silver is good so I was able to get almost double for the sum you sent me.. Our patients were very happy to receive their Christmas share. In addition to my present work I have opened a workshop for poor women. Most of them were my patients and they are well enough to do ordinary sewing. I have a teacher for them so really I do not give time to them. My staff is a good one now so I am giving more time to my patients instead of the administration of the hospital.

The Nursing Education is a problem in China also. We had an entrance examination the other day and not one passed the test. So we are not going to take in any new students this year. I rather close our training school until I have better applicants. I have in view of a girl who might be able to take up the training in America. The only thing I hesitate of sending this girl is that she lacks initiative power. She also lacks ambition which is very important for a successful career.

I am looking forward for four boxes from my good friend Dr McLean. They contain medical books. With addition of what Dr. Tsao left me and plus what I brought home, I would have a fairly good small medical library for this hospital. Our staff is small but I try to read something daily for my work. If I see anything new or interesting I pass on to my assistant. I am expecting to have another assistant this coming fall. She is also a graduate from Michigan University. As it is now I have to meet every outside call. My work is coming up. Recently I bought a Ford Sedan which adds great deal comfort as well as quicker service to my patients. As I pass the city I can pick up homes here and there that I have visited during the past eighteen months. I have been to quite a number of outtown [sic] trips. They were tiresome but I felt happy after these long trips. They convince me the oppotunity [sic] as well as responsibility. I know a young woman who wants to have a medical education. She is unable to do so because of financial handicap. I am trying to get a loan for her so she could have her training. China is never going to be a great country until her youths are trained. We have violated the biological laws of nature; therefore our people are in suffering. Outside of my profession I am interested in education.

I am looking forward for your silver pencil and gay ribbon. I wear white most the time and a gay ribbon will suit me. This would add cheerfulness to my uniform which silently would pass on to many patients whom I shall visit during the coming year. Mail is not so regular these days. I hope to get your gift soon. Let me thank you for it.

Kindly remember me to Dr. Clapp when you should see her or write to her. As there are quite afew [sic] letters to answer before the day is over. For ten days I could not use my right thumb which hindered a great deal of my work. An infection got into my chapped thumb which resulted in pus formation. My thumb is perfect condition again which I am more than grateful. I am now closing this letter with much love.

Yours lovingly.
M. I. Ting.

1, 9, 1924.