The Chemical EducatorISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version) Abstract Volume 6
Issue 3 (2001) pp 192-201 Rachel Littler Bodley: A Charter Member of the American Chemical Society and Revolutionizer of Chemical and Medical Education for WomenCassandra T. Eagle* and Jennifer Sloan Department of Chemistry, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608 Published online: 27 April 2001 Abstract. Rachel Littler
Bodley was an important contributor to the study of chemistry and the
work of women in science. In 1862, she undertook the cataloging of an
extensive plant collection at Cincinnati Female Seminary. Her work was
praised by many eminent botanists of that time. In 1865, Bodley became
a professor of chemistry at Woman’s Medical College. While at that college,
her work and student addresses revealed her belief in the possibilities
of synthetically made “cures.” In 1874, Rachel became dean of Woman’s
Medical College. During 1874, Bodley proposed that American chemists meet
at Joseph Priestley’s birthplace to celebrate his discovery of oxygen.
Her suggestion led to the formation of the American Chemical Society.
She was elected as a charter member of the society and was its only female
member until the 1890s. In 1880, Bodley became a member of the Franklin
Institute and lectured there on household chemistry. In 1881, she wrote
and published The College Story, a survey on the lives of women in the
medical profession. It was the first survey of its kind done by a woman.
Rachel was a devoted Christian and promoter of foreign medical mission
work among students, colleagues, and others. Her leadership and foresight
allowed Woman’s Medical College to become one of the foremost women’s
medical institutions in America. Her diligence and encouragement made
the work of single women as Christian missionaries both possible and extremely
productive. Her achievements helped to better the possibilities for women
in the medical field and in the world. Finally, the American Chemical
Society had its birth from an idea that Rachel Bodley proposed.
Key Words: Chemistry and History; Bodley (*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: eaglect@appstate.edu) Article in PDF format (867KB) HTML format Issue date: June 1, 2001 |