Ceylon Administrative Reports 1891 A 15.
‘In anticipation of the admission of female medical students
the Government authorized ‘a separate Dissecting Room
for females and separate tutors and a reading room’
Ceylon Examiner May 2nd 1892-
“'The medical College opens its summer sessions today.
Two young ladies Misses Keyt and Davidson – will be
admitted
as students for the first time in the history of the College’.
Veronica Weerasekara & Rachel Christoffelsz, were
female
medicos in later years. Veronica’s reminiscences:-
Dr.Chalmers was the Registrar.
The teachers were – Dr.S.C.
Paul, Dr.Frank Grenier, Dr.Sinnathamby,
Dr.Garvin and Dr.H.M.
Fernando.
Seniors lined up and whistled when the female medical students passed by.
Pranks – Cutting the
afternoon lecture and going by train
to the ‘Pagoda’ restaurant. (The 'Pagoda'
was still in existence in the 1960s)
Occasional boat ride in the harbour during lecture time -
This was in the time of the old jetty opposite
the Grand Oriental Hotel.
Teasing and comments by the male medicos:-
'Veronica
sweet as the morning air,
Do not leave me in despair’.
‘Rachel
Chris dear charming Miss,
Your lips to kiss it’l be
a bliss.
The above incidents are related in the book
"Dr. Alice de Boer and some
pioneer Burgher women doctors' by Deloraine
Brohier
Click on the web-link below to read the original article.
