Italian-born British nurse (1820–1910), popularly known as the “Lady with a Lamp,” who first came to prominence for her care of troops during the Crimean War. She pioneered modern nursing and hospital practice, and her prowess as a mathematician led her to develop a number of important innovations in the field of statistics. ALS, three pages on two sheets, 5 x 8, black-bordered personal letterhead, December 5, 1891. Nightingale writes to J. Murdoch. In part: “I have given my note of introduction to you to Mr. Frederick Verney for himself & Prince Damrong. Mr. F. Verney begs me to tell you that they will be at Bombay from January 12th to 30th…. I gave him the dates you were good enough to give me. He is very much afraid of missing you at Madras, & they may perhaps be at Calcutta at the same time that you are. I will certainly send you anything published worth sending you about the Health-at-Home teaching of poor rural mothers. But I expect our progress will be very, very slow…. Everybody will think he or she can do such a simple thing as we propose—and I may not live to see any result at all. Happily we have to work out of God’s past—not our own past—into God’s future, not our own future….” In good condition, with allover toning and light staining, a few small chips, and partial separations at mailing folds (lightly touching a few words). The signature is clear and bold. R&R COA.
