In this episode, we explore the remarkable story behind "The Cure for Women: Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi and the Challenge to Victorian Medicine that Changed Women’s Lives Forever." Host Theresa Bakken is joined by author Lydia Reeder and audiobook narrator Sara Sheckells to discuss the life and legacy of Dr. Mary Putnam Jacobi—a pioneering scientist and physician who broke barriers for women in medicine during the 19th century.
Key Highlights:
- Mary Putnam Jacobi’s Journey: From a publisher’s daughter in New York to a trailblazing doctor, Jacobi overcame societal and institutional barriers, becoming a force in both science and women’s rights.
- Historical Context: The episode delves into the challenges women faced in accessing education and medical training, the suffrage movement, and the prevailing (often harmful) medical theories about women’s health.
- Scientific Breakthroughs: Jacobi’s research debunked myths about women’s bodies, especially regarding menstruation and fertility, and helped introduce evidence-based medicine to America.
- Personal Connections: Lydia Reeder shares how her own family history inspired her research, while Sara Sheckells reflects on the importance of telling women’s stories and the parallels between Jacobi’s era and today.
- Broader Impact: The conversation touches on the collective efforts of women in history, the importance of public education, and the ongoing relevance of Jacobi’s courage and scientific rigor.
- Audiobook Sample: Listeners hear a vivid scene from Jacobi’s youth, capturing her awe and inspiration as she peers through a microscope—a moment that set her on her groundbreaking path.
Get The Cure for Women audiobook from Libro.fm
Colorado Humanities Colorado Book Awards
https://coloradohumanities.org/programs/colorado-book-awards/
Sara Sheckells narrator
Lydia Reeder author
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