the examinations and tests were too severe and the standard too high for a feminine brain.
The women had a ready reply to all these objections. They pointed out very respectfully that they were not asking for any favouritism, but only for the opportunity of putting themselves to the same test as the men. If they failed, so much the worse for them; but if they succeeded they demanded the right to enjoy their success and to work at their chosen profession.
At first the Edinburgh University was tolerant, and, although no professor was compelled to give the women instruction, they were permitted to attend the classes in the ordinary subjects, and to pass the matriculation examination. There was little or no trouble until Miss Pechy passed an examination in chemistry which would have entitled her to a scholarship if she had been a regular member of the class. Miss Jex-Blake as leader of the women, demanded that Miss Pechy should have the prize, and thus raised the question of the equal treatment of men and women. The controversy raged with exceeding bitterness in both University and City for more than two years. There arose two factions, the one for and the other against the women. The professors of the University were forbidden to instruct the women. The students subjected them to every insult,
