Table of Contents
Dorothea Christiane Erxleben, a name that shines brightly in the annals of medical history, was not only Germany’s first female doctor of medicinal science but also a trailblazer whose enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of women in the field of medicine.
Early Life and Education
Dorothea was born on November 13, 1715, in the tranquil town of Quedlinburg, Germany. Her father, Christian Polycarp Leporin, was a progressive physician who recognized his daughter’s exceptional intellect and insatiable curiosity from an early age. In a time when societal norms confined women to traditional roles, Dorothea’s father broke the mold by providing her with a rigorous education in Latin, mathematics, and the sciences, alongside her brother Tobias. Christian Polycarp Leporin firmly believed that the talents of gifted women should not be confined to the kitchen, aligning his family with the enlightened ideas of Germany’s Burgertum.
University Challenge and Marriage
Dorothea’s pursuit of higher education took her to the University of Halle, a place where women needed special permission to attend at the time. Her father petitioned King Frederick the Great of Prussia, a champion of progressive ideas, who granted her entry into the university in April 1741. This groundbreaking decision was met with both admiration and criticism. While some argued that women were legally forbidden to practice medicine, Dorothea quietly penned her thoughts and arguments on the topic, later publishing them in a book titled “A Thorough Inquiry into the Causes Preventing the Female Sex from Studying” in 1742.
However, at the age of 26, Dorothea decided to pause her university studies to marry Johann Christian Erxleben, a widower with five children from a previous marriage. Their union was marked by happiness, and they welcomed four more children into their lives. While managing a bustling household with nine children might have deterred others, Dorothea persevered, continuing her medical studies at a slower pace.
Career and Challenges
In 1747, tragedy struck as her father passed away, and her husband’s health began to decline, leaving the Leporin family in significant debt. To overcome this financial crisis, Dorothea began practicing medicine in Quedlinburg, even without a formal degree. Her skills and dedication quickly earned her the respect of the town’s residents. Nevertheless, local physicians, feeling threatened by her presence, filed a lawsuit against her, accusing her of medical quackery. The case ultimately reached the ears of King Frederick the Great in January 1754.
King Frederick ruled that Dorothea must pass an examination and submit a dissertation at the University of Halle to legitimize her medical practice. With the support of the university’s rector, she did just that. Her dissertation, titled “Concerning the Swift and Pleasant but for that Reason Less than Full Cure of Illnesses,” was a groundbreaking work that challenged conventional medical practices. She argued that doctors were too quick to prescribe unnecessary cures and made recommendations regarding the judicious use of purgatives, interventions to promote menstruation and urination, and the proper usage and dosage of opiates.
On June 12, 1754, Dorothea Erxleben achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first woman in Germany to receive a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. Her remarkable dissertation quickly gained prominence in Germany, especially among women seeking medical advice. Dorothea’s dedication extended to translating her dissertation from Latin into German, making it accessible to those with limited means.
What was Dorothea Christiane Erxleben Cause of Death?
Dorothea passed away on 13th June 1762. However, her exact cause of death has not been disclosed.
References
https://shethoughtit.ilcml.com/biography/dorothea-christiane-erxleben/
