father and her father's brother were all physicians. Her father was practicing at Charlemont, Mass., when she was born. He was a man of superior ability, clear and precise in expression, acutely observant, and of a medical judgment almost unerring in serious cases. Her mother was an invalid for many years. Dr. Bates was an only child, and when a little girl was so delicate that her father kept her out-of-doors and took her driving with him through the country districts included in his extensive practice.

She began her education in the public school of Charlemont, but when eight years old her father removed to Morris, N. Y.. where she was in a parochial school for some time, afterwards attending an academy at Gilbertsville. At sixteen she entered Mrs. Willard's Seminary at Troy, from which she graduated July 24, 1852. On returning from Troy she was twenty years old and so inured to regular occupation that she confessed that "she felt lost without it and did not want to do nothing as other girls did." She told her father that she wanted to study medicine, an ambition which she had cherished from her girlhood. He answered: "If you do, you must do it desperately. I want no half way work. Think it over for two weeks, but do not speak to me of it until then." With a decision apparently characteristic, Dr. Bates answered that she was ready now, and her father at once started her in the work. She had read with him a year before even intimate friends knew of it. The Female Medical College of Pennsylvania was the only medical school open to women at this time and from

this Dr. Bates was graduated in 1854.

For twenty years thereafter she practiced with her father in Owego. Both were successful in general practice, and she especially so in diseases of women and children. Her mother's death in 1872, and her father's two years afterward, were severe blows to Dr. Bates, and broke down her health, never robust and always taxed beyond its capacity. She missed the support of her father's experience and his companionship, but she continued to work, removing in 1882 to Port Chester, New York. In this community, where she lived until her death, she was a notable influence. The first presidency of the board of health was given to her and she was a trustee of the Congregational Church, being largely instrumental in founding and supporting it. While not emotional or demonstrative in her religion, almost the last words she spoke were to ask about the success of a church entertainment given that evening to assist in payment of the church debt.

Dr. Bates contributed no writings to medical annals, though she wrote for local medical societies papers which she was urged to publish. She was well-read in scientific and professional literature and was a good literary critic. On the whole, however, she was a woman of deeds rather than words. The large fortune accumulated entirely through her own efforts is sufficient evidence of her medical skill and shrewd management. As a pioneer in women's practice of medicine, her dominant will and energy, and decided personal opinions, were leading factors in her

success.