Born: 1840 (Hastings, England)
Biography:
Sophia Louisa Jex-Blake was born on January 21, 1840, in Hastings, England. She was the daughter of Thomas Jex-Blake, a retired lawyer and proctor of Doctors’ Commons, and Mary Jex-Blake (née Cubitt). Sophia had a brother named Thomas Jex-Blake, who would go on to become the Dean of Wells Cathedral and the father of Katharine Jex-Blake, a prominent classicist and Mistress of Girton College, Cambridge.
During her early years, Sophia was home-educated until the age of eight. She later attended various private schools in southern England. Despite her parents’ objections, she enrolled at Queen’s College, London in 1858. While still a student, she was offered a position as a mathematics tutor at the college. Sophia worked without pay, as her family did not expect her to earn a living. Her father even refused her permission to accept a salary.
In 1865, Sophia Jex-Blake traveled to the United States to learn more about women’s education. She visited various schools and was particularly influenced by the developments in co-education in the US. During her visit, she worked as an assistant at the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston, where she met Dr. Lucy Ellen Sewall, one of the country’s pioneer female physicians. Dr. Sewall became an important and lifelong friend to Sophia.
This visit to the US became a turning point for Sophia Jex-Blake, as she realized that becoming a doctor was her life’s vocation. In 1867, she and Susan Dimock, a fellow trainee from the New England Hospital, wrote a letter directly to the president and fellows of Harvard University, requesting admission to the university’s medical school. Unfortunately, their request was denied, as there was no provision for the education of women in any department of the university.
Undeterred, Sophia Jex-Blake still pursued her dream of becoming a doctor. In 1869, she led a campaign to secure women’s access to a university education when she and six other women, collectively known as the Edinburgh Seven, began studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh. This marked a significant moment in history, as it was the first time women were allowed to study medicine at a university in the United Kingdom.
Sophia Jex-Blake faced numerous challenges and opposition during her time studying medicine. She and the other women faced discrimination from their male peers and faculty members. Despite these obstacles, Jex-Blake persevered and became the first practicing female doctor in Scotland. She was also one of the first female doctors in the wider United Kingdom.
As a leading campaigner for medical education for women, Sophia Jex-Blake played a crucial role in founding two medical schools for women. In 1874, she helped establish the London School of Medicine for Women, followed by the Edinburgh School of Medicine for Women in 1886. At a time when no other medical schools were training women, these institutions provided the necessary education and training for aspiring female doctors.
Throughout her career, Sophia Jex-Blake fought tirelessly for women’s rights and the advancement of women in the medical profession. She played a significant role in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of women in medicine. Her dedication and determination continue to inspire women in their pursuit of equal opportunities in the field of healthcare.