Mary Gove Nichols

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Mary Gove Nichols (August 10, 1810 – May 30, 1884) was an American health reformer, writer, and advocate for women's rights. She was a prominent figure in the 19th-century health reform movement and made significant contributions to the promotion of hydropathy and vegetarianism.

Early Life

Mary Sargeant Neal was born in Goffstown, New Hampshire. She was the daughter of a farmer and grew up in a rural environment. Her early education was limited, but she was an avid reader and self-educated herself in various subjects.

Career

Mary Gove Nichols began her career as a teacher but soon became involved in the health reform movement. She was influenced by the works of Sylvester Graham and other health reformers of the time. She became a proponent of hydropathy, also known as the water cure, and opened a hydropathic institute in New York City.

Health Reform and Advocacy

Nichols was a strong advocate for women's health and education. She wrote extensively on topics related to health, hygiene, and women's rights. Her writings were published in various health reform journals and magazines. She also gave lectures on health and hygiene, which were well-attended by women seeking knowledge about their bodies and health.

Vegetarianism

Mary Gove Nichols was also a proponent of vegetarianism. She believed that a vegetarian diet was essential for good health and promoted it through her writings and lectures. She was one of the early advocates of vegetarianism in the United States and influenced many others to adopt this lifestyle.

Personal Life

Mary Gove married Hiram Gove, but the marriage was unhappy, and they eventually separated. She later married Thomas Low Nichols, a fellow health reformer and writer. Together, they continued to promote health reform and women's rights.

Legacy

Mary Gove Nichols made significant contributions to the health reform movement and the promotion of women's rights. Her work laid the foundation for future health reformers and women's rights activists. She is remembered as a pioneer in the fields of health and women's education.

Selected Works

• Lectures to Ladies on Anatomy and Physiology
• Experience in Water-Cure
• Marriage: Its History, Character, and Results

See Also

• Hydropathy
• Vegetarianism
• Sylvester Graham
• Thomas Low Nichols