Williard Parker Hospital,
16th Street, Avenue C,
New York City.My dear Miss Turner:-
This is my evening off and I am very glad to have it. I was on ambulance service yesterday. I took in nine cases of measles and one case of chicken pox. The measles are very severe cases this year. Many children have broncho-pneumonia complication. Three died in my ward these two days. I am very glad that I selected a very good time of the year for contagious disease. There are sixty cases admitted already since January the first I just have no time to study each case carefully. I only follow up those cases whom I have examined. Within two days I had sixteen cases. I am having good experience of a large hospital. Cornell medical students come for contagious disease. I took the instructor up & told him the different cases. The hospital does not allow the pheumonia cases to be examined by students for they are too sick to be examined. I like this place but I would not want to stay too long. A free institution has many drawbacks.
Dr. Wilson - (the head of this hospital.) gave me an oral examination in everything yesterday. I did not know that he would quiz his internes. There were many things that I have forgotten. As a whole he was pleased. The first case was a fixed infection of measles & chicken pox. The city doctor failed to see both on that child. I called in & told the doctor in charge of measles the case. He said that I was right not to put in my ambulance a mixed infection. Dr. Wilson said that was good work. He said that I could leave measles & go to scarlet fever after two weeks. I told him that I would prefer to stay on for one month, because it is a good chance for me to study broncho-pneumonia. He said that I could cover everything at this hospital three months.
I am thinking of taking up some studies during my free periods. I have been reading on contagious disease. I have every other afternoon off. I ought to be able to give nine hours a week to some studies. I am thinking of taking medical gymnastics, massage & hydrotherapy.
As to the gift that you are going to give me, I would very much like to have the Life of Pasteur. I read a little when I was in college and I never finished it. Some day perhaps you can come to China & visit me. You would have a year off after several years teaching. Won't you? I hope I would be able to accomplish something by that time. Your gift will go to China for you this time.
Do come to New York, if you can. I would not have any week end off. This is a municipal hospital and I cannot change my time schedule.
Yes, I remember the wrong card I put in your package. I think it was of Mrs. Mary Daniels. I sent her something early in December. After I wrapped your package, I felt that I made the mistake of a card, yet I was not sure. Anyway that tray is meant for you.
With much love.
M. I. Ting