346 A Short History of Nursing tion of the trained nurse in the future depends on the evolution of woman." We might apply this to the whole history of nursing and say that the status of nursing in all countries and at all times,
has depended, not entirely, but to a very large
extent on the status of women and on the degree of freedom which they have enjoyed. While nursing has been strongly influenced by the whole woman movement, it has also made some distinct contributions to the advancement and education of women. It was undoubtedly the first form of community or social service open to women, providing a channel outside of the con- ventional domestic relations, where woman's ener- gies might find expression and where their larger capacities for organization and administration might be developed. In spite of many restrictions, it has probably been in all history the most useful and satisfying career open to women outside of the home. It has also been a career in which women have won conspicuous honour and distinction, the nursing saint and heroine always winning popular respect and affection in all ages. Outside of the protection of the church, however, there was little scope for development in this or other lines of activity for women, until the prudish and conven- tional ideas about feminine weaknesses and dis-
