Anna Kingsford

Anna Kingsford 3

Anna Kingsford (16 September 1846 – 22 February 1888) was an English physician, theosophist, and vegetarian advocate. She was one of the first women to obtain a medical degree in the United Kingdom and was a prominent figure in the anti-vivisection movement.

Early Life

Anna Kingsford was born Anna Bonus in Stratford, Essex, England. She was the youngest of twelve children. Her father, John Bonus, was a wealthy merchant. From an early age, she showed a keen interest in literature and spirituality.

Education

Kingsford was educated at home and later attended a finishing school in Paris. In 1873, she married Algernon Godfrey Kingsford, an Anglican clergyman. With his support, she pursued her interest in medicine and enrolled at the University of Paris in 1874. She graduated in 1880, becoming one of the first women in the UK to earn a medical degree.

Medical Career

Kingsford was a strong advocate for vegetarianism and opposed the practice of vivisection. Her medical thesis, "The Perfect Way in Diet," was a significant contribution to the vegetarian movement. She believed that a vegetarian diet was essential for both physical health and spiritual development.

Theosophy and Spirituality

Kingsford was deeply involved in the Theosophical Society, an organization dedicated to exploring spiritual and esoteric knowledge. She collaborated with Edward Maitland, a fellow theosophist, and together they wrote several works on spirituality and mysticism, including "The Perfect Way" and "Clothed with the Sun."

Anti-Vivisection Movement

Kingsford was a vocal opponent of vivisection, the practice of performing operations on live animals for scientific research. She believed that it was both morally wrong and scientifically unnecessary. Her efforts contributed to the growing anti-vivisection movement in the late 19th century.

Death and Legacy

Anna Kingsford died of tuberculosis on 22 February 1888 in London. She is remembered for her contributions to medicine, her advocacy for animal rights, and her work in theosophy. Her writings continue to inspire those interested in vegetarianism, spirituality, and animal welfare.

Related Pages

• Vegetarianism
• Theosophical Society
• Anti-vivisection movement
• Edward Maitland
• Vivisection