The Dark Period in Nursing 109 might read and interpret the Scriptures, pray, and instruct. Modern training schools may trace very definite lines back to Kaiserswerth in discipline and general arrangement, and the fact of Miss Nightingale going there later gave it a direct association in sentiment with our profession today. Kaisers- werth developed a preparatory school for proba- tioners in 1865. The grading of junior, senior, and head Sister, with the Matron as head of all, was like the modem training school. There was no social caste in the deaconess order. All proba- tioners entered and went through on an equality. The deaconess was not bound for life — she might leave and marry. The whole influence of the church, however, was bent toward persuading her to make her career a lifework. In sickness and in old age she was cared for. During her working years she was supported, but not paid. In its early stages the deaconess movement gave an outlet and opportunity to young middle- class women who would otherwise have been doomed to dull inactive lives. It was thus a most important step in the emancipation of German women, and was, for them, the beginning of a liberal education. As the Motherhouse grew too small and restricted to contain all its daughters,
