This chapter explores Sophia Jex-Blake's journey in the field of medicine, from her encounters with influential figures like Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and Dr. Lucy Sewell to her persistent efforts to gain admission to Harvard Medical School. It also delves into Sophia's intense friendships, particularly with Lucy Sewell, and how her determination to advocate for women's rights in education is juxtaposed with lighter moments, like adopting a dog named Turk.
Sophia Jex-Blake was a young English woman who initially pursued a career in teaching before she fell in love with medicine while visiting the U.S. Part one covers the early part of her life and education.
Research:
- Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Sophia Louisa Jex-Blake." Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sophia-Louisa-Jex-Blake
- Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Elizabeth Garrett Anderson." Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Feb. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Elizabeth-Garrett-Anderson
- Drysdale, Neil. “UK’s first female students posthumously awarded their medical degrees in Edinburgh.” The Press and Journal. July 6, 2019. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/1790307/uks-first-female-students-posthumously-awarded-their-medical-degrees-in-edinburgh/
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- Kelly, Laura, Dr. “The 1896 ‘Enabling Act.’” Women’s Museum of Ireland. https://www.womensmuseumofireland.ie/exhibits/1876-enabling-act
- “Life of Sophia Jex-Blake.” Somerset Standard. July 26, 1918. https://www.newspapers.com/image/806751302/?match=1&terms=sophia%20jex-blake
- Lutzker, Edythe. “Women Gain a Place in Medicine.” New York. McGraw-Hill. 1969. Accessed online: https://archive.org/details/womengainplacein00lutz/page/n1/mode/2up
- Ogilve, Marilyn Bailey. “Women in Science.” MIT Press. 1986.
- “Sophia Jex-Blake.” Birmingham Post. Jan. 20, 1940. https://www.newspapers.com/image/784125734/?match=1&terms=sophia%20jex-blake
- “Sophia Jex-Blake and the Edinburgh Seven.” University of Edinburgh. Jan. 23, 2024. https://www.ed.ac.uk/medicine-vet-medicine/about/history/women/sophia-jex-blake-and-the-edinburgh-seven
- Todd, Margaret. “The Life of Sophia Jex-Blake.” Macmillan. 1918.
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