Arabella Kenealy

Arabella Kenealy

Name	Arabella Kenealy
Birth name
Birth date	1859
Birth place	Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England
Death date	18 November 1938
Death place	Surrey, England
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Author
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Arabella Kenealy (1859 – 18 November 1938) was a British physician and author known for her work in the field of medicine and her writings on health, gender, and social issues. She was one of the early female physicians in the United Kingdom and contributed significantly to discussions on women's health and rights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Early Life and Education

Arabella Kenealy was born in 1859 in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England. She was the daughter of Edward Vaughan Hyde Kenealy, a barrister and politician. Arabella was educated at home and later pursued medical studies at the London School of Medicine for Women, which was one of the few institutions at the time that admitted women.

Medical Career

Kenealy qualified as a physician in 1885, becoming one of the first women to do so in the United Kingdom. She worked as a medical practitioner in London and was particularly interested in women's health issues. Her medical practice and writings often focused on the physiological and psychological aspects of women's health.

Literary Contributions

In addition to her medical career, Arabella Kenealy was a prolific writer. She authored several novels and essays, often exploring themes related to gender, health, and society. Her works include Dr. Janet of Harley Street (1893) and The Making of a Soul (1909). Kenealy's writings were known for their controversial views on gender roles and the impact of modern society on women's health.

Views and Controversies

Kenealy held strong views on the differences between men and women, which she believed were rooted in biology. She argued that modern civilization was detrimental to women's health and advocated for a return to more traditional roles. Her views were often criticized as being anti-feminist, although she considered herself a supporter of women's rights in the context of health and well-being.

Legacy

Arabella Kenealy's contributions to medicine and literature provide insight into the challenges faced by women in the medical profession during her time. Her work continues to be studied for its historical significance in the context of women's health and gender studies.

Also see

• Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
• Sophia Jex-Blake
• London School of Medicine for Women
• Women's health
• History of women in medicine