Interesting biography of the sisters Blackwell and their place in history. Enjoyed the use of primary correspondence.While some of the obstacles they overcame were expected, others really brought home what a challenge they faced. Being turned away from renting a hall with prepayment, for instance. One thing it Left me wondering was what Kitty , the adopted daughter’s life was really like.
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I remember reading about Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell in a biography written for children so I knew she was the first U.S. woman to receive an M.D. degree. I don't remember that book mentioning her sister who also became a doctor. In one sense, I wish I hadn't read this book because it diminished my admiration of "the first woman doctor". I do still admire her determination to achieve what she did and her persistence in doing so. I hadn't realized that she really didn't practice medicine all that much. I also hadn't realized she'd lost an eye to infection.

I kind of get the idea that Elizabeth was a lonely person, always striving for the next thing, wanting recognition that she rarely got. In some ways, she was ahead of the game in hygiene--or at least in realizing it was important both within and outside medicine.

Her sister, Emily, almost seemed roped in to the medical field by Elizabeth (whether Emily wanted that career or not) though she did seem to be more personable (especially when she was left to head the New York portion while Elizabeth went to England.) and she did seem to practice more actual medicine than Elizabeth did.

Somehow though, I almost wish I hadn't read this and didn't know what it revealed so I could still have my childish admiration of the first woman doctor. ( )

This book honors Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell, sisters who both contributed greatly to the education and acceptance of women medical professionals, by sharing the struggles they endured and overcame during their professional lives. ( )

Elizabeth Blackwell was the first female doctor in the United States, and she —with her sister Emily — spent her life trying to advance the cause of women in medicine in the US and in Europe. Author Janice P. Nimura gives readers an excellent book about the sisters, but focused mainly on Elizabeth, through a treasure trove of letters and other primary sources. The book is also an interesting look at medicine and the world of education during the late 19th century. ( )

Janice Nimura does an excellent job of making both these sisters, in fact the entire Blackwell family, come to life. The book is well researched; the notes and bibliography give excellent sources for further research. Both these women through perseverance and through ridicule, opened the doors for themselves and for other women do enter the study of and practice of medicine through education and graduation. Makes citizens of New York State proud of what they accomplished. ( )