Mary Putnam Jacobi (1842–1906) was a physician, women’s rights advocate, writer, and medical educator; she is best known for her efforts to improve education for women and to advance the status of women in the medical field. Born in London, England, on August 31, 1842, Mary Corinna Putnam was the daughter of George Palmer Putnam, founder of the publishing firm of G. P. Putnam’s Sons. Her younger brother, Herbert Putnam, was a librarian of Congress. The family returned to the United States in 1848, and Mary grew up in Staten Island, Yonkers, and Morrisania, New York.

Before Mary turned 18 years old, she had a story published in the Atlantic Monthlyand she seemed headed for a literary career. However, her love of science led her to a medical career instead. She graduated from the New York College of Pharmacy in 1863 and the Female (later the Woman’s) Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1864. After working for a few months at the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston,...