Lucy Mabel Hall-Brown

She taught successfully for a few years, but soon after the death of her mother and father, she was persuaded by the family physician to begin the study of medicine. In the spring of 1878, Hall was graduated with distinction from the medical department of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. She continued her medical observations in the hospitals and clinics of New York City, and later in those of London, where in St Thomas' Hospital, she was the first woman ever received at its bedside clinics. In Dresden, Germany, she was house physician in the Royal Lying-in and Gynaecological Hospital, under Prof. Winckel.[3]

From there, she was called back to the United States, where she was appointed by Gov. Talbot, of Massachusetts, to the responsible position of physician to the State Reformatory for Women in Sherborn, Massachusetts. Connected with the prison was a hospital of 150 beds, likely to be filled from a body of from 300-400 inmates. "Four years later," wrote Clara Barton, "it became my privilege, as superintendent of that prison, to observe how that duty was discharged by its resident physician. Perfect system prevailed. No prisoner could enter upon her term without a careful diagnosis of her physical condition and administration of the needful treatment. If any trace of mental trouble manifested itself, the case was closely watched and tenderly cared for. The most difficult surgical operations were performed, not only without loss of life but with marked success. The control of the doctor over her patients, and these included from time to time nearly every inmate, was simply marvelous, and her influence throughout the entire institution not less remarkable. Among all classes, she moved as one born to command, that most successful of all command, the secret of which lies in tact, conscious ability and sympathy with mankind. So long as that prison remains a success, so long will the influence of Dr. Hall's early administration and example for good be felt there." After nearly five years of service there, she was appointed superintendent by acclamation of the governor and his council. Though grateful for the honor, she declined the position, as its acceptance would necessitate the giving up of her medical work.[3][5]

Soon after that, she formed a partnership with her colleague, Dr. Mosher, and together they began to practice in the city of Brooklyn, New York. In the autumn of 1884, they were appointed associate professors of physiology and hygiene and physicians to Vassar College, resigning in 1887,[6] very much to the regret of all concerned. During the same year, upon the occasion of the semi-centennial commencement of the University of Michigan, Hall, as first vice-president of the Department of Medicine and Surgery, was called upon to preside at the meeting of that body. As her colleagues, many of the most eminent physicians and professors of the land were present. Afterward one of them remarked: "I had predicted that fifty years after the admission of women, a scene like this might occur. My prophecy has been anticipated by more than thirty years."[7]

In the fall of 1887, she was appointed central committee delegate to the fourth International Conference of the Red Cross, of Geneva, held in Karlsruhe, Germany. By invitation she was a guest at the court of their Royal Highnesses, the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Baden. That high conference brought Hall into contact with very many of the most noted personages of the European courts, and that for a series of royal occasions and a length of time sufficient to challenge the scrutiny of the most critical. She passed not only unscathed, but with the highest commendations, everywhere doing honor to the U.S. and to American women. Her elegance of bearing was a subject of personal remark. The respect of Her Royal Highness, the Grand Duchess, was marked and thoughtfully manifested by the appreciative gifts bestowed as tokens of remembrance.[7] Her standing in medical jurisprudence was recognized by the courts of justice in New York and she was often, called as an expert by the Supreme Court to take charge of examinations instituted by that tribunal.[1]

After relocating to Los Angeles, California, she made a visit to Japan, where characteristically she visited hospitals, schools, missions, prisons and police courts. So highly was her interest valued that, on leaving, she was urged by the officials of medical and public education in that empire to return and lecture on physiology and hygiene. The invitation was a great compliment, and she returned for several months in 1907, lecturing in leading institutions in the great cities.[1] In a letter to a Brooklyn friend, quoted in the Brooklyn Eagle, she wrote:—[8]

"To-morrow I go to Yokohama, to talk to a girls' club, foreign this time. I shall feel queerly to find myself talking to any girls not Japanese. I am to go to Kobe soon, and to Kyoto, and one other place not far away, and I am meeting a great many people, both native and foreign. A few days ago a gentleman, his uniform all a-glitter with orders, drove up and sent in his card. Baron Dr. Ishigaro; I met him just twenty years ago at a Red Cross conference, at Carlsruhe. He is now a very great man, and was lately decorated anew by the Emperor. He is a member of parliament. He begged to be allowed to do anything possible for me while I remain in Japan. A number of titled people have called, and I have visited them. It has been of interest to see this side of Japanese high life, and I have enjoyed it very much, but after all the real pleasure has been in getting a hold of these bright-eyed, hungrybrained, vivid and determined young Japanese women, and, more than all these, they are the ones who will give" this sturdy and brilliant nation the final touches needed to bring them up to a full realization of the ideals for which they are reaching and struggling. High and low, I love these people more every day. They are kind, cheerful, glad to serve you for the smallest favor with a sturdy, honest pride."

As a writer, Hall contributed many articles upon health topics to the best magazines and other periodicals of the day. Her writings were characterized by a strength of thought, knowledge of her subject and a certain vividness of expression which held the attention of the reader.[7] Some of her most important articles were: “Unsanitary Condition of Country Houses” (Journal of Social Science, December, 1888); “Inebriety in Women” (Quarterly Journal for Inebriety, October, 1883); “Prison Experiences” (Medico Legal Journal, March, 1888); “Physical Training for Girls” (Popular Science Monthly, February, 1885); “Wherewithal Shall We Be Clothed” (American Woman's Journal, May, 1895).[1]

• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Elliot, A. R. (1907). New York Medical Journal. 86 (Public domain ed.). A. R. Elliot.
• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Forbes, Charles S. (1895). The Vermonter. 1 (Public domain ed.). Charles S. Forbes.
• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Kelly, Howard A.; Burrage, Walter L. (eds.). "Hall-Brown, Lucy" . American Medical Biographies . Baltimore: The Norman, Remington Company.
• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Massachusetts. Board of Commissioners of Prisons (1885). Seventh Annual Report of the Commissioners of Prisons of Massachusetts ... 14 (Public domain ed.). Massachusetts. Board of Commissioners of Prisons.
• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Pilcher, Paul Monroe; Overton, Frank (1907). Long Island Medical Journal. 1 (Public domain ed.). Associated Physicians of Long Island.
• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: University of Michigan (1907). The Michigan Alumnus. 14 (Public domain ed.). University of Michigan Libraries. p. 36. UOM:39015071121373.
• This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Willard, Frances Elizabeth; Livermore, Mary Ashton Rice (1893). A Woman of the Century: Fourteen Hundred-seventy Biographical Sketches Accompanied by Portraits of Leading American Women in All Walks of Life (Public domain ed.). Moulton. pp. 349–350.

• Poppenheim, Mary B.; Poppenheim, Louisa Bouknight (2002). Southern Women at Vassar: The Poppenheim Family Letters, 1882-1916. University of South Carolina Press. ISBN 978-1-57003-443-5.