The BookFinder is a month old!
With more than 1,890 books already in this new database, we’ve created a fun way for readers to go on a sapphic book finding mission. Four prizes of a $15 Amazon gift card will be awarded in drawing on November 9, 16, 23, and 30. For complete rules, click here.
Now let’s get to today’s fun: Dorothea Christiane Erxleben
Dorothea Christiane Erxleben was born on November 13, 1715 in Quedlinburg, Germany. Her father, a doctor, took note of her intellect, saying her abilities would be squandered in the kitchen. Her father made it possible her to learn Latin, math, and sciences along with her brother Tobias.
When Tobias headed to the University of Halle to study medicine, Dorothea followed him. Her father had to petition King Frederick the Great of Prussia for Dorothea to be accepted.
She delayed her studies to marry Johann Christian Erxleben, who already had five children from a previous marriage. They had a happy marriage and had four children. Even though Dorothea managed a household with nine children, she slowly continued her medical studies.
In 1747, Dorothea’s father died, and her husband’s health began to fail. The family had substantial debt, spurring Dorothea to practice medicine without a degree. She was sued by other physicians, and it was ruled she’d have to pass an examination and submit a dissertation.
She received her M.D. degree on June 12, 1754, making her the first woman in Germany to become a doctor. She practiced medicine the rest of her life.
She died on June 13, 1762, at the age of forty-six.
For over a century, there wasn’t another female physician in Germany. It wasn’t until the early 1900s when women could attend German medical schools.
To honor Dorothea Christiane Erxleben, we’re asking readers to go to the BookFinder and look up books in the following Archetype category: Doctor / Nurse / EMT / Midwife.
Find a book you haven’t read yet, or if you come across an old favorite, share it and tell us why. To enter the giveaway, share your entry in the Facebook group.
Remember, the more days you play, the more entries you’ll receive for the $15 Amazon gift card, so don’t forget to check back tomorrow for another Book Finding Mission.
Authors, if your books aren’t in the database yet, we highly recommend you submit them now. Here’s the form.
