rection.[486]

The new century has opened with a heavy shadow of sorrow for the
British people in the death of their much-loved sovereign, Queen
Victoria. Her reign will always be conspicuous as an era of change of
tone in regard to the studies and pursuits of women. The extent to
which that change is due to the presence on the throne of a woman full
of goodness--one for whom Truth was her guide and Duty her rule in
every action of her life--will stand out more clearly perhaps to
future generations. But this we know, that during the Victorian era
the idea of separateness in the interests of men and women has grown
less and less, while co-operation and sympathy have grown more and
more, so that these words of one of the pioneer thinkers on this
subject, Mrs. Jameson, have become a key-note to the suffrage
movement: "Whatsoever things are good, whatsoever things are wise,
whatsoever things are holy, must be accomplished by communion between
brave men and brave women."

LAWS SPECIALLY AFFECTING WOMEN.

Half a century ago married women had no right to their earnings, nor
to dispose of their property; all belonged to the husband unless
settled on the wife and then it was in keeping of trustees. Mothers
had no rights in their children. All professions were closed to women.

_1839._--Custody of Infants Act empowered the Lord Chancellor to leave
custody of her child to the mother, up to the age of seven, in case of
divorce.

_1873._--Custody of Infants Act allowed the mother custody of her
child to the age of sixteen in case of divorce.

_1886._--Guardianship of Infants Act gave the right to a surviving
mother to be joint guardian in addition to any appointed by the
father. The Act also enabled her to appoint a guardian in case of the
father's death or incapacity; it also required the Court to have
regard to the wishes of the mother as well as of the father.

_1870-1874._--Married Women's Property Acts secured to them all rights
to property acquired by their own skill and industry, and to all
investments of their own money in their own names.

_1882._--Married Women's Property Act consolidated and amended the
previous act, enabling married women to acquire, hold and dispose by
will or otherwise of any real or personal property without the
intervention of a trustee.

_1876._--Medical Education Act permitted medical degrees to be
conferred on women.

_1890._--Intestates Act provided that when a man dies intestate