Mary Putnam Jacobi

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Mary Putnam Jacobi

Mary Putnam Jacobi (August 31, 1842 – June 10, 1906) was an influential American physician, writer, and suffragist. She is most notable for her work in advocating for women's entry into the medical profession and her research that debunked the prevailing myths of her time about the supposed limitations of women's physical and mental capacities. Her contributions to medicine and her efforts in the fight for women's rights have made her an important figure in the history of American feminism and medicine.

Early Life and Education

Mary Putnam was born in London, England, to American parents. Her father, George Putnam, was a prominent publisher, which allowed Mary to grow up in an environment that valued education and intellectual pursuit. The family returned to the United States, and Mary pursued her education with vigor, showing an early interest in medicine. Despite the societal norms of the time, which discouraged women from pursuing higher education, especially in fields like medicine, Mary was determined to become a physician. She attended the New York College of Pharmacy and graduated in 1863, becoming one of the first women to receive a pharmacy degree in the United States. Not satisfied with stopping there, Mary sought to become a physician. She applied to and was rejected by several medical schools in the United States due to her gender. Undeterred, she moved to Paris, France, to attend the École de Médecine, where she became the first woman to matriculate. In 1871, she earned her medical degree, with honors, from the University of Paris.

Career and Advocacy

Upon returning to the United States, Mary Putnam Jacobi began her medical practice in New York City. She quickly became involved in the women's suffrage movement and used her position as a physician to argue for the intellectual and physical capabilities of women. She was a prolific writer, producing numerous articles, books, and studies that challenged the prevailing views of her time. One of her most significant works was a paper titled "The Question of Rest for Women during Menstruation," which won the Boylston Prize at Harvard University in 1876. This study refuted the commonly held belief that women were physically and mentally inferior to men, particularly during menstruation. Her research provided scientific evidence that there was no reason for women to be excluded from any profession, including medicine. Mary Putnam Jacobi was also a founding member of the Association for the Advancement of Women and the New York Infirmary for Women and Children. She played a crucial role in establishing the Women's Medical Association of New York City and was a strong advocate for the education of women in medical schools.

Legacy

Mary Putnam Jacobi's work had a lasting impact on the medical profession and the women's rights movement. She paved the way for future generations of women in medicine and contributed significantly to the understanding of women's health issues. Her advocacy for women's rights and her contributions to medical science are remembered as pioneering efforts that helped change societal perceptions and opened doors for women in the medical field.

Death

Mary Putnam Jacobi died on June 10, 1906, after a long battle with a brain tumor. Her legacy lives on through her writings and the changes she helped bring about in both the medical profession and women's rights.