In 1875 Prof. Peabody exploded a bomb in the Phi Beta Kappa meeting by moving that persons eligible on the ground of scholarship be received as members without regard to sex. This problem had not arisen before, because women had not been admitted to the University until the year 1871-72; now, however, there were two women graduating with honors. After an animated discussion the motion was laid on the table, and a new motion was made to vote for the two gentlemen who stood highest in the class. Again the eligibility of women was presented, but all that resulted was a resolution directing the secretary to communicate the sentiment of the chapter and the situation occasioning it to the other chapters of the order. The next morning Prof. Peabody's proposition was again considered, and the admission of women was authorized.
-- by Mabel L. Southwick, in The Phi Beta Kappa Key, October 1915.