Elizabeth Macmurdo School Essay* December 30, 1806

When I consider the numerous advantages, that accomplished women have over those, who are not so, I think it a circumstance much to be lamented, that so little attention has hitherto been paid to the education of our sex. There is no situation whatever, in which the superiority of women of extensive acquirements, is not obvious. If, as is frequently the case, they are compelled, to seek the means of support from their own industry, these attainments become not only of the greatest importance to them, but others may also derive from thence a considerable degree of improvement. On the contrary, when surrounded by friends, and experiencing all the pleasures that prosperity can afford, they are enabled to render themselves much more agreeable to others. In solitude, the accomplished female may find innumerable resources, with which the person deprived of education cannot be acquainted.

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