During her illness, she realized the great need of women physicians, and she became much interested in studying to meet the exigencies of her own condition.

After her health improved considerably, she went to Lowell, Massachusetts, where she opened a variety and fancy goods store, continuing the study of medicine and prescribing for many who called upon her.

[1] She located for practice in Manchester, New Hampshire, where she was received by the public and by some of the physicians with great cordiality.

[3] Colby gained a large and lucrative practice, which kept her there nine years, when, desiring a larger field, she removed to Boston, Massachusetts.

She was called to meet in consultation, in the large cities of New England, some of the most scientific men physicians of the era.