Women and the Neurological Society, 1897–1907
Abstract
The Neurological Society of London, later the Neurological Society of the United Kingdom, was the first society dedicated to the discipline of neurology to be founded in the United Kingdom. During its period of existence, 1885/1886 to 1907, membership was exclusively male. However, examination of the Society's extant records shows that four women scientists and doctors had interactions with the society: Laura Forster, Rachel Alcock, Mary Darby Sturge, and Helen Stewart. These interactions, examined here, show evidence of the obstructions professional women faced when attempting to enter the male enclave of medical societies, despite the notional inclusivity of the Society's rules and enlightened attitudes evinced by some Society members.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Neurology and Historical Studies
Historical Psychiatry and Medical Practices
Historical Studies on Reproduction
Gender
Health
and Societal Changes
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the History of the Neurosciences
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 35
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 290–306
- Publication date
- 17 April 2026
- Language
- EN