Inscribed by Florence Nightingale

Nightingale, Florence, British social reformer (1820-1910). Notes on Nursing.

€ 28.000,00

Author's presentation copy, inscribed to the reformer Joseph Adshead (1800-61) on the half title: "Joseph Adshead Esq / from his obliged friend / Florence Nightingale / July 1860 / Please do observe Pages 209-211".

Florence Nightingale and Joseph Adshead made their acquaintance through the Liberal politician and manufacturer Richard Cobden towards the end of the 1850s and remained in correspondence until Adshead's death. Adshead was involved with a variety of public causes in Manchester, where he was based, and later began to dedicate his efforts towards the health sector.

The relationship between Adshead and Nightingale forms the focus of a letter penned by the latter to her "Uncle Sam", Samuel Smith, on 25 February 1861, ten days after Adshead's death (quoted in Cook). Her fondness for him shines through: Adshead becomes "dear old Addle-head" and even her "best pupil". Nightingale recalls that their correspondence began around 18 months before his death, when Adshead wrote to her asking for guidance with his plans for a "Convalescent Hospital". Pages 209-211 of this copy of "Notes on Nursing", towards which Nightingale directs Adshead in the inscription, deal with this subject. Her initials, "FN", appear next to the final comment of this section on page 211 ("I rejoice to think that steps are being made in this direction both in London and Manchester") as a nod towards Adshead's progress.