Harriot Kezia Hunt

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HarriotKeziaHunt1910

Harriot Kezia Hunt (November 9, 1805 – January 2, 1875) was an early American female physician and women's rights activist. She was one of the first women to practice medicine professionally in the United States, although she was largely self-taught and did not hold a formal medical degree.

Early Life

Harriot Kezia Hunt was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Joab Hunt and Kezia Wentworth Hunt. She grew up in a family that valued education and intellectual development. Her early education was typical for girls of her social class, focusing on domestic skills and basic literacy.

Medical Career

Hunt's interest in medicine began when her sister, Sarah, fell ill and conventional medical treatments proved ineffective. This experience led Hunt to study medicine informally under the guidance of Dr. Richard Dixon Mott, a practitioner of homeopathy and hydropathy. In 1835, she opened her own practice in Boston, offering medical advice and treatments to women and children.

Despite her success, Hunt faced significant barriers due to her gender. She applied to Harvard Medical School in 1847 but was denied admission because she was a woman. Nevertheless, she continued her practice and became well-known for her compassionate care and innovative treatments.

Women's Rights Activism

In addition to her medical practice, Hunt was a fervent advocate for women's rights. She was involved in the early women's suffrage movement and worked alongside prominent activists such as Lucy Stone and Lucretia Mott. Hunt was a frequent speaker at women's rights conventions and wrote extensively on the subject.

Legacy

Harriot Kezia Hunt's contributions to medicine and women's rights were significant. She paved the way for future generations of female physicians and activists. In 1853, she was awarded an honorary degree by the Female Medical College of Pennsylvania, recognizing her contributions to the field of medicine.

Death

Hunt died on January 2, 1875, in Boston, Massachusetts. She is remembered as a pioneer in both medicine and women's rights.

See Also

• Elizabeth Blackwell
• Women's suffrage in the United States
• History of medicine