Chapter I

THE QUEEN, MISS NIGHTINGALE, AND LORD PANMURE
(AUGUST-NOVEMBER 1856)

"Muddling through a war": the favourable moment for reform.
Advantage taken of the opportunity after the Crimean War for the
better sanitation of the British Army--Co-operation of Sidney
Herbert and Miss Nightingale. II. Her passionate desire to lessen
preventable mortality in the future--Examination of the figures of
mortality in the army during peace--Her admiration of the heroism
of the British soldier--Her opportunity and sense of
responsibility. III. A short holiday at Lea Hurst--Acquaintance
with Mr. Kinglake--Invitation from Sir James Clark to Ballater--A
visit from Queen Victoria likely--Miss Nightingale's preparations:
consultation with Sir John McNeill and Colonel Lefroy--Miss
Nightingale's plan of campaign. IV. First visit to Balmoral--Visit
from the Queen at Sir J. Clark's--Conversations with the Queen and
the Prince Consort--Miss Nightingale requested to remain to see
the Secretary for War. V. Awaiting Lord Panmure--Advice from Sir J.
McNeill--"Command visit" to Balmoral--Conversations with Lord
Panmure--Appointment of a Royal Commission promised--Establishment
of an Army Medical School favoured--Miss Nightingale to report on
her experiences. VI. Conferences of Miss Nightingale's "Cabinet"--
Provisional selection of Royal Commissioners: draft of their
instructions--Interview with Lord Panmure in London: points won and
lost--The _personnel_ of the Commission 311