Florence Nightingale | Notes on Nursing, 1860, presentation copy, inscribed to Joseph Adshead

Florence Nightingale

Notes on Nursing: What it is, and What it is Not. London: Harrison, 1860

INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR TO THE REFORMER JOSEPH ADSHEAD ON HALF-TITLE, new edition, 8vo (226 x 144 mm.), half-title, title, 221 pp. with leaf with advertisement for the cheaper edition, section of text marked in Nightingale's hand in margin of page 211, original maroon cloth, covers stamped in blind, lacking spine, boards becoming detached

The full inscription reads:

"Joseph Adshead Esq

from his obliged friend

Florence Nightingale

July 1860

Please to observe Pages 209–211."

Florence Nightingale and Joseph Adshead (1800–1861) 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 Nightingale 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"—a nod towards Adshead’s progress. 

PROVENANCE:

Presented by Florence Nightingale to Joseph Adshead in July 1860: presentation inscription to half-title

LITERATURE:

Sir Edward Cook, The Life of Florence Nightingale, vol. 1 (1913), p. 424-425