The First Russian Women Physicians

The imperial government in St. Petersburg pervaded every aspect of life. It was bureaucratic, paternalistic, and resistant to change. It approved of women caring for the sick, but resisted granting them the education and privileges customarily extended to men. The early years witnessed a struggle between the bureaucracy and the male and female advocates of education and legal rights for women doctors. In the long struggle, the persistent determination of the advocates tipped the balance in their favor. This volume fills in the story from records of the education, careers, frustrations, and successes of the first Russian women physicians. [from introduction]