Page 34 - 1912 May - To Dragma

TO DRAG MA OF ALPHA OMICRON PI 153

any physical chemistry, so much the better) ; biology, i n c l u d i n g
physiology, anatomy and protozoology; botany and physics are less
important but valuable, as a l l laboratory w o r k helps in g i v i n g the
student training in scientific thinking. Whenever possible, a course
i n practical bacteriology should be taken. Some knowledge o f
French a n d German, especially the latter is almost essential, as a l l
work leads sooner or later to references in those languages.

The pay is f a i r . T h e N e w Y o r k Department o f H e a l t h pays
assistants $600 to $900, and bacteriologists start at $1200. The
hours and vacations are those of regular business houses. Advance-
ment depends upon ability to do original work, or special proficiency
in certain types of work.

A g i r l who goes into a bacteriological laboratory starts as an
assistant to a bacteriologist. The position is that o f an apprentice
who is paid while learning. H e r general t r a i n i n g is a foundation,
but that which she builds upon i t is o f a special design that can only
be learned in a laboratory by practical work. The rapidity with
which she w i l l learn w i l l depend largely upon her interest.

I t is the v i t a l importance o f bacteriology i n a l l its branches
which appeals to me. T o know that through some purely technical
knowledge you can help to fight disease or to improve an industrial
product is surely to feel your profession worth while.

JOSEPHINE SOUTHWORTH PRATT.