Nineteenth-century assumptions about the nature of women, her educability, her role in society, and debates about coeducation are examined in this record of the efforts of the first women students to gain entrance in McGill University in Canada. The introduction offers historical background, ideas of women, and the opening of higher education to women. Part I, "Admission," examines: Principal J. W. Dawson's ideas on women's education; opportunities for education for women in Montreal before 1884; the first women at McGill, 1884 and the reaction of male students; and the coeducation controversy. Part II, "Royal Victoria College and Student Life," offers sketches of Lord Stratcona and the nine Wardens of McGill's women's college, 1899-1980, and discusses various aspects of student life such as student organizations and notable teachers. Part III, "Professional Faculties," discusses prejudices towards women, professional education, women's entry into "male" faculties such as medicine and law, and the women's problem of credibility for "female" faculties such as education, food services, and nursing. The final section examines the women's movement on campus and offers conclusions that relate to the general issues in higher education for women in Canada. It is suggested that there be a transitional period of "catching up" by the academic world for identifiable courses in women's studies and a renewed effort to secure equality for women after graduation upon entering the job market. Appendices include: some "firsts" for McGill; chancellors and principals of McGill; honorary degrees and other honors; notes on non-academic women; notes on some notables; and a graph of the total/female enrollment, 1880-1980. Footnotes, a selected bibliography, and many photographs are also provided. (LC)