Isabella Bartholomew Mears

Isabella Mears (; 20 December 1853 – 11 November 1936) was a British physician, medical missionary and Chinese language translator. Part of the first wave of female physicians of the Victorian era, Mears worked as a medical missionary in Fujian from 1890 to 1893. Upon returning to Scotland Mears co-founded the Woodburn Sanatorium in 1895, one of the countries earliest tuberculosis sanatoriums.

Early life and education Mears was born Isabella Bartholomew in Abercorn, West Lothian to James Bartholomew, a farmer, and Jane Bartholomew (née Ford). By 1871, Mears was working as a governess and later trained as a teacher.

In 1879, Mears married the physician and lecturer William Pope Mears.

Both Isabella and William Mears published letters in CMS periodicals during and after their missionary tenure describing their medical work, evangelism and encounters with local Chinese religious practices. Mears worked closely with Powers on medical treatment and Christian education of the local patient population. They assisted with women’s wards, outpatient wards, dispensary work, and the training of local students who were affiliated with the Fuh-Chow medical mission. After their return to England, he remained active in CMS affairs.

Edinburgh The family settled in Edinburgh for the education of their children.

Mears continued to translated Chinese religion and philosophy in Scotland.

On 11 November 1936, Mears died in Inveresk, Midlothian (present-day East Lothian) aged 82.