Born: 1844 (Devon, England)
Biography:
Alice Vickery (also known as A. Vickery Drysdale and A. Drysdale Vickery) was an English physician, campaigner for women’s rights, and the first British woman to qualify as a chemist and pharmacist. She played a significant role in advocating for social change and challenging societal norms throughout her life. Born in Devon in 1844, Vickery hailed from a family involved in the music industry, with her father being a piano maker and organ builder. She grew up in South London, where her passion for medicine and social reform began to take shape.
Vickery embarked on her medical career in 1869, enrolling at the Ladies’ Medical College. It was during her studies there that she crossed paths with Charles Robert Drysdale, a lecturer at the college. They developed a close relationship and became life partners, although they chose not to marry due to their shared belief that marriage was akin to legal prostitution. Nevertheless, society often assumed they were married, as their bond was deep and committed. Vickery even adopted Drysdale’s name, going by both Dr. Vickery Drysdale and Dr. Drysdale Vickery.
In 1873, Vickery obtained a midwife’s degree from the Obstetrical Society, followed by her groundbreaking achievement in 1873: passing the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s exam and becoming the first qualified female chemist and druggist in Britain. Undeterred by the limitations placed on women in British medical education, she pursued further studies at the University of Paris. While there, she gave birth to her first child, Charles Vickery Drysdale. However, a turning point came in 1877 when the UK Medical Act allowed women to obtain medical degrees, prompting Vickery’s return to England.
In 1880, Vickery became one of the five pioneering women who qualified as physicians in the kingdom, receiving her degree from the London School of Medicine for Women. Thereafter, she began her career as a medical practitioner and dedicated herself to improving the healthcare accessible to women. Throughout her life, Vickery faced challenges and discrimination in her profession due to her outspoken nature and advocacy for progressive causes. However, she overcame these obstacles to inspire and uplift others.
Vickery’s activism extended beyond her medical practice. She joined the Malthusian League and vehemently supported birth control. Her involvement intensified after the trial of Annie Besant and Charles Bradlaugh in 1877, who faced legal consequences for publishing a book on contraception. Vickery spoke passionately about the dangers of excessive childbirth and advocated for using contraception as a means of empowering women. Her beliefs led to temporary withdrawal from the League due to disapproval from the London Medical School for Women. However, once she obtained her medical degree in 1880, Vickery resumed her membership and spent the next decade lecturing on birth control as a fundamental element in women’s emancipation. She also actively opposed the Contagious Diseases Acts during this time.
In 1893, both Vickery and Drysdale joined the Legitimation League, which campaigned for equal rights for children born out of wedlock. Their advocacy aimed to destigmatize illegitimacy and ensure the rights of all children, regardless of their parents’ marital status. Vickery’s unwavering commitment to the principles of equality and social justice made her an influential figure in the fight for women’s rights and societal progress.
Alice Vickery’s remarkable life left an indelible mark on the medical field, women’s rights, and the broader movement for social change. Her pioneering work as a chemist, pharmacist, and physician shattered gender barriers and opened doors for future generations of women in medicine. Vickery’s unwavering dedication to her beliefs and her activism in areas such as birth control, equal rights for children, and destigmatization of illegitimacy showcases her determination to challenge societal norms and effect meaningful change. Her contributions continue to inspire and empower women to this day.
Note: No awards or recognitions received by Alice Vickery were mentioned in the provided information.