Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/245

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
EMMA MARTIN.
237

dertook in a thorough and efficient manner, she attended, for this purpose, long courses of lectures on subjects pertinent to the health and organization of woman, and studied and practiced for months in hospitals, in order to fit herself properly.

As a lecturer, Mrs, Martin was eloquent, logical, and attractive. While her talent as a writer, though not of the highest order, was yet far above average; her style was readable and interesting, and her powers varied.

She did not live to reach her fortieth year, consumption claiming her as once of its myriad victims, just as she was beginning to develop the full strength of her intellect, and to realize the full value of life, She died in October, 1851, at her home at Finchley Common, consistent in her opinions, and persistent in her views to the last moment of her life; passing away calmly, undismayed by any superstitious fears, conscious of that integrity of soul and clearness of conscience which proves ever an