The First Woman to Receive a Medical Degree in the U.S., Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell’s Owned and Signed Books on Zoology

Elizabeth Blackwell

Book

[Women in Medicine][Rare] Blackwell, Elizabeth and Carpenter, William. Zoology; Being a Systematic Account of the General Structure, Habits, Instincts, and Uses of the Principal Families of the Animal Kingdom, written by William Benjamin Carpenter and published in 1857 to 1858. Vol. I owned and signed by Blackwell, the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States, and directly relating to her scientific education and studies in biology. Blackwell graduated first in her class at Geneva Medical College in 1849 and subsequently pursued additional study in London, where she developed an intellectual relationship with physiologist William Benjamin Carpenter. Carpenter became an early advocate for Blackwell’s scientific career and introduced her to leading figures in British medicine, including surgeon James Paget. Blackwell later described Carpenter’s laboratory and mentorship in her memoir Autobiographical Sketches, recalling that “Dr. Carpenter… has written those admirable works on physiology… His microscopes… were the most beautiful in England.” Her ownership of this zoological treatise demonstrates her engagement with comparative anatomy and natural classification, central subjects in her field of study and publication.

Carpenter, William Benjamin. Zoology; Being a Systematic Account of the General Structure, Habits, Instincts, and Uses of the Principal Families of the Animal Kingdom. London: Henry G. Bohn, 1857 (Vol. I); 1858 (Vol. II). Signed “E. Blackwell” at the head of the publisher’s advertisement leaf in Volume I in Blackwell’s hand. Two volumes. Vol. I: 586 pages; Vol. II: 588 pages. Original red cloth blind stamped in arabesque pattern with spines titled in gilt “Carpenter’s Zoology” and “Bohn’s Scientific Library.” 12mo.

Blackwell’s engagement with these texts occurred during a period when women were largely excluded from formal medical institutions in both Britain and the United States. Her studies in London and Paris helped establish the scientific credentials that later enabled her to found the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1857 and to become a central figure in the campaign for women’s access to medical education. Books bearing Blackwell’s signature rarely appear on the market, and association copies directly connecting her with mentors within the British scientific community are particularly significant for the history of women in medicine and nineteenth century scientific networks. Edges rubbed with spine tips and joints worn, more pronounced on Volume II with fraying to cloth at the crown and minor loss; hinges somewhat tender though bindings remain intact; internally complete with gilt lettering still legible on both spines, overall good condition. A notable treatise on zoology owned and signed by Elizabeth Blackwell.

Item #22269

Price: $5,500.00