But she had seen the good
effects of fresh air; therefore, there could be no doubt about
them; and therefore, it was essential that the bedrooms of
patients should be well ventilated. Such was her doctrine; and in
those days of hermetically scaled windows it was a very valuable
one. But it was a purely empirical doctrine, and thus it led to
some unfortunate results. When, for instance, her influence in
India was at its height, she issued orders that all hospital
windows should be invariably kept open. The authorities, who knew
what an open window in the hot weather meant, protested, but in
vain; Miss Nightingale was incredulous. She knew nothing of the
hot weather, but she did know the value of fresh air--from
personal experience; the authorities were talking nonsense; and
the windows must be kept open all the year round. There was a
great outcry from all the doctors in India, but she was firm; and
for a moment it seemed possible that her terrible commands would
have to be put into execution. Lord Lawrence, however, was
Viceroy, and he was able to intimate to Miss Nightingale, with
sufficient authority, that himself had decided upon the question,
and that his decision must stand, even against her own. Upon that
she gave way, but reluctantly and quite unconvinced; she was only
puzzled by the unexpected weakness of Lord Lawrence.
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