Making History Come Alive Newsletter Offers Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi (1842-1906) was a prominent American physician, medical educator, and suffragist

known for her significant contributions to the fields of medicine and women's rights in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her life and work exemplify the challenges and triumphs faced by women in medicine during a time when the profession was predominantly male.

Early Life and Education
- Birth and Background: Mary Putnam Jacobi was born on September 4, 1842, in New York City. She came from a well-educated family; her father was a wealthy merchant and her mother was a graduate of a women's college.
- Medical Education: Jacobi initially attended the New York College of Pharmacy but later pursued her medical degree at the Women's Medical College of Pennsylvania, where she graduated in 1864. She furthered her studies in Europe, particularly in Paris, where she was exposed to advanced medical practices and theories.

Contributions to Medicine
- Pioneering Work: Dr. Jacobi was one of the first women to gain recognition in the field of medicine. She specialized in neurology and was particularly influential in the study of women’s health issues.
- Publications: She published numerous articles and research papers throughout her career. One of her notable contributions was her work on "The Question of Rest for Women," which challenged contemporary notions about women's physical capabilities and advocated for women's rights to pursue education and careers.
- Medical Education: Jacobi was a strong advocate for the inclusion of women in medical education. She served on the faculty of various medical institutions, including the New York Medical College for Women, where she taught a broad curriculum that included anatomy and pathology.

Advocacy and Activism
- Women's Rights: Beyond her medical career, Jacobi was an active participant in the women's suffrage movement. She believed that women's education and professional opportunities were essential for gender equality. She often spoke out against the societal norm that confined women to domestic roles.
- Professional Organizations: Jacobi was a founding member of several professional organizations, including the American Medical Women's Association and the Association for the Advancement of Women, which aimed to improve the status of women in medicine and other professions.

Legacy
- Influence on Future Generations: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi's legacy is reflected in the growing number of women in medicine and her role in advocating for women’s rights.