Elizabeth Blackwell

“A blank wall of social and professional antagonism faces the woman physician that forms a situation of singular and painful loneliness, leaving her without support, respect or professional counsel.”

“For what is done or learned by one class of women becomes, by virtue of their common womanhood, the property of all women.”

“Disease is an experience of a misdirected life.”

“The idea of winning a doctor's degree gradually assumed the aspect of a great moral struggle, and the moral fight possessed immense attraction for me.”

“The practice of medicine is a fusion of science and art.”

“Our school will be the first in the world to be founded and governed by women.”

“I do not wish to give women a first place, still less a second one--but the most complete freedom, to take their true place, whatever it may be.”

“The study of human nature is the beginning of all medical science.”

“I must have something to engross my thoughts, some object in life which will fill this vacuum, and prevent this sad wearing away of my faculties.”

“If society will not admit of woman's free development, then society must be remodeled.”

“It is not easy to be a pioneer — but oh, it is fascinating! I would not trade one moment, even the worst moment, for all the riches in the world.”