Born: 1715 (Quedlinburg, Germany)
Died: 1762
Biography:
Dorothea Christiane Erxleben (13 November 1715 – 13 June 1762) was a German doctor who became the first female doctor of medicinal science in Germany.
Early life:
Dorothea was born on 13 November 1715 in the small town of Quedlinburg, Germany to the town’s progressive doctor, physician Christian Polycarp Leporin. Her father noticed her excelling at her schoolwork early on in life as well as her general brightness and arranged for Dorothea to be tutored in Latin, math, and the sciences alongside her brother Tobias. When asked about his daughter’s studies, Christian Polycarp Leporin was noted to say that gifted women’s talents are being wasted in the kitchen. The new ideas of enlightenment such as the values of Germany’s Burgertum had been embraced by the Leporin family, which led to Christian’s belief that both of his children should receive the best education possible.
University years and marriage:
Tobias planned to study medicine at the University of Halle, and so Dorothea followed him. At the time, women had to receive special permission to attend university, so Dorothea’s father petitioned King Frederick the Great of Prussia to allow her entry into the University of Halle. Frederick the Great approved this request in April of 1741. Dorothea’s admission into university was both criticized and admired. Critics like Johann Rhetius, a pamphleteer, argued that women were by law forbidden to practice medicine and therefore earning a degree in such a field would be a waste of time. Although Dorothea never publicly remarked on the controversy behind women’s education, she began to write her arguments and opinions on the topic down on paper, which were later published in 1742 as a book titled A Thorough Inquiry into the Causes Preventing the Female Sex from Studying. Her book argued for Germany to take advantage of the talents of half of its population, while her father Christian wrote a foreword that described the need for reform in Germany’s universities and how the admittance of women would spur this long-needed change.
Despite her admittance, Dorothea decided to postpone her university studies at the age of 26 to marry Johann Christian Erxleben, a widower who already had five children from his previous marriage. Their marriage was generally happy, and Dorothea went on to have four children with Johann over the next few years. Despite being busy at home for years managing her nine children, Dorothea was able to continue her medical studies at a slower pace.
Career:
Dorothea’s main influence in her life and career was Laura Bassi, an Italian physicist and academic who was the first woman in the world to be a professor at a university, the University of Bologna in her case. Inspired by Bassi’s achievements, Dorothea became determined to pursue her own medical career. In 1754, at the age of 39, Dorothea successfully defended her thesis, becoming the first woman in Germany to receive a doctorate in medicine. This marked a significant milestone for women in the field of medicine and opened doors for future generations.
Motivated by her own struggles and experiences, Dorothea made it her mission to advocate for women’s education and equal opportunities in medicine. She became a prominent figure in the fight for women’s rights and believed that women should have the same access to education and professional opportunities as men. Through her writings and lectures, she raised awareness about the barriers women faced in pursuing careers in medicine and called for reforms in the educational system.
Dorothea’s pioneering work and dedication to the advancement of women in medicine had a lasting impact on German society. She paved the way for future generations of female doctors, inspiring them to overcome societal prejudices and pursue their dreams. Her efforts not only transformed the field of medicine but also contributed to the larger movement for gender equality.
Dorothea Erxleben’s legacy as the first female doctor of medicinal science in Germany remains an important milestone in women’s history. Her determination, courage, and intellectual contributions continue to inspire and empower women around the world.