Clelia Duel Mosher

American physician and women's health pioneer

Clelia Duel Mosher in uniform

Clelia Duel Mosher (December 16, 1863 – December 21, 1940) was an American physician, hygienist, and early feminist who is best known for her pioneering research on women's health and sexuality. Her work challenged prevailing myths about women's physical limitations and contributed significantly to the understanding of women's physiology and health needs.

Early Life and Education

Clelia Duel Mosher was born in Albany, New York, to Cornelius Duel Mosher and Sarah Burritt Mosher. She grew up in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits. Mosher attended Wellesley College, where she developed an interest in biology and health sciences. She later transferred to Stanford University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1893.

Mosher continued her education at Johns Hopkins University, where she pursued graduate studies in physiology. She earned her medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1900, becoming one of the few women of her time to achieve such a distinction.

Career and Research

Clelia Duel Mosher

After completing her medical degree, Mosher returned to Stanford University, where she joined the faculty as an instructor in personal hygiene and assistant professor of hygiene. Her research focused on women's health, particularly in the areas of menstruation, sexuality, and physical fitness.

One of Mosher's most significant contributions was her study on the sexual habits and attitudes of women, which she conducted over several decades. This research, known as the "Mosher Survey," was groundbreaking in its candid exploration of women's sexual experiences and desires, challenging the Victorian-era notions of female sexuality.

Mosher also conducted research on the effects of menstruation on women's physical capabilities. Her findings debunked the myth that menstruation incapacitated women, showing instead that women could maintain physical activity during their menstrual cycles without adverse effects.

Advocacy and Impact

Mosher was a strong advocate for women's health and education. She believed in empowering women with knowledge about their own bodies and health. Her work laid the foundation for future research in women's health and contributed to the broader feminist movement by challenging societal norms and advocating for gender equality in health care.

In addition to her research, Mosher was involved in various organizations that promoted women's rights and health. She was a member of the American Medical Women's Association and actively participated in efforts to improve medical education for women.

Later Life and Legacy

Clelia G. Mosher among other eminent women of California and Nevada

Clelia Duel Mosher retired from Stanford University in 1929 but continued to be active in research and advocacy until her death in 1940. Her work has had a lasting impact on the field of women's health and continues to be recognized for its pioneering contributions.

Mosher's papers and research findings were rediscovered in the 1970s, bringing renewed attention to her contributions to women's health and the feminist movement. Her work is celebrated for its role in challenging misconceptions about women's health and for advocating for women's rights to knowledge and autonomy over their own bodies.

Related Pages

• Women's health
• Feminism
• History of medicine
• Stanford University