Under the Care of the Japanese

During the Crimean War (1853-56) Sister Ethel McCaul R.R.C. (1867–1931)Florence Nightingale became a popular heroine of medical improvement. but her later campaigns, for improved care for the British Army, were often obstructed. Even as late as the South African War (1899-1902) many major failings remained in Britain’s military medical services.‘ One example of unchanging medical attitudes was the decision of the distinguished surgeon, Frederick Treves, to take only two specialist women nurses with him to South Africa. One of these. Sister Ethel McCau], distinguished herself as a front line nurse. became an articulate critic of current practices, and an advocate of medical reform. Soon she saw Japanese medical systems as a blueprint for change, and sought to learn lessons by visiting Japan.