Record

CollectionGB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections
LevelItem
Ref NoMS 3290/2/294
TitleLetter from Amelia Nyasa Laws to her relatives
Date4 May 1919
Extent2 sheets + carbon copy
DescriptionLetter from Amelia Nyasa Laws, Valence, to her relatives, regarding another disrupted Sunday; M. Benignus has been visiting her to talk of organ playing; he used to be a student in Edinburgh in 1897 and lived at 14 George Square; mention of Dr. Archibald Fleming, the Franco-Scottish Club and a Donald Fraser (but not of Livingstonia); he insists on Amelia playing the organ in the evangelical centre until she leaves; Mlle. Draussin has been playing but knows nothing of organ technique; description of instrument; two of her patients will blow for her; there are some oddities in the organ; changes in prospect in Rome where a larger income is now essential to meet the new taxes on the church building; Uncle has been summoned to the Committee meeting in June to discuss the matter; this will bring out Blake's plans; they have decided that they will all go home together; 'I should like to combine music and the nursing of nervous ailments'; she is now reluctant just to teach music, but massage is also soul-destroying when there is no music; 'suggestion as a scientific treatment draws me much'; more progress in an asthmatic case and with Guérin, on whom she is using vibratory massage; he can now feed himself; Mahieu now has a daily walk to the annexe; his balance now needs work; Macé's asthma has saved him from an operation and the Carrel treatment is having a chance to work; he says '"I believe that wound is going to close and I'm helping to close it." He is doing nothing outwardly, but there must be a consciousness of the dual mentality'; she has been looking at descriptions of nursing in military hospitals and its 'neglect in detail and regardlessness of moral uplift ... naval depots are even worse than military ones'; she is determined to learn more when at home; Soeur St. Paulin is eager to learn about vibratory massage; she never questions any of Amelia's decisions in her own sphere; the doctors are less respectful; the Service Elisabeth is a friendly working environment; Archinard calls her 'Maman' and asks to be tucked in at night; M. Benignus has been teasing her regarding keeping her in Valence to work in the Protestant clinic, probably the one in which Dr. Rigal worked; they want her to go to Scotland and come back to massage and play the organ; 'Church people are the first to run you off your feet'; she is busy with passport details and the thought of a holiday; farewell from 'the Roman trio' to Aunt Amy.
Access StatusOpen
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