Date of Birth: June 9, 1836
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Date of Death: December 17, 1917
Biography
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson was a pioneering English physician and a trailblazer for women in the field of medicine. Born on June 9, 1836, in Whitechapel, London, she was the first woman to qualify as a physician and surgeon in Britain. Despite facing substantial obstacles, including societal and institutional resistance, Anderson’s determination led her to study privately and eventually earn her medical degree in 1865. She co-founded the New Hospital for Women in London, which was later named after her, specializing in treating women and staffed entirely by women. In 1873, Anderson became the first female member of the British Medical Association. Beyond her medical career, she also made significant strides in education and politics. She helped establish the London School of Medicine for Women and later became the first female mayor in England, serving in Aldeburgh. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’s legacy is marked by her relentless pursuit of equality and her significant contributions to the medical profession, which paved the way for future generations of women doctors.
5 Interesting Facts about Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
1. Elizabeth Garrett Anderson was the first woman to qualify as a physician and surgeon in Britain.
2. She was the first female mayor in England, serving in Aldeburgh.
3. Garrett Anderson co-founded the London School of Medicine for Women.
4. She became the first woman in Britain to gain a medical degree, awarded by the University of Paris.
5. Her daughter, Louisa Garrett Anderson, also became a prominent physician and suffragist.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
1. “My mother taught me that the more we accumulate knowledge, the more we realize our ignorance.”
2. “The door might not be open, but it’s not locked. Push it.”
3. “Ambition is not a dirty word. Piss on compromise. Go for the throat.”
4. “I cannot be content with mediocrity. I want to make a mark.”
5. “We must not only aim at strength but also at the right use of strength.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson’s highest net worth is not well documented, as her era did not typically focus on such metrics for women, especially those in pioneering scientific roles.
Children
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson had three children: 1. Louisa Garrett Anderson (1873–1943): A prominent physician and suffragette. 2. Margaret “Margot” Garrett Anderson (1876–1963): Known for her work in the arts. 3. Alan Garrett Anderson (1877–1952): A businessman and writer.
Relevant Links
