Lady Mary Wortley Montagu
English writer and advocate for smallpox inoculation

Born
May 15th, 1689
335 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1762
262 years ago — 73 years old
Category
Artists & Creatives
Country
United Kingdom
Links & References
Born in 1689, a writer and poet highlighted the benefits of smallpox inoculation after witnessing the practice in the Ottoman Empire. Authored 'The Turkish Embassy Letters', which offered insights into life in Turkey. Contributed to literary discussions of the time and addressed issues of women's rights and education. Actively campaigned for the adoption of inoculation in England, influencing medical practices.
Advocated for smallpox inoculation
Wrote 'The Turkish Embassy Letters'
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