Rachel Littler Bodley

Rachel Littler Bodley (December 7, 1831 – June 15, 1888) was an American professor, botanist, and university leader. She was best known for her term as Dean of the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania (1874–1888). She helped found the American Chemical Society in New York City.

Bodley was elected dean of the faculty in January 1874, where she remained until her death. It was one of the first studies of female medical graduates in America, for which Bodley approached the topic in the terms of a scientific experiment, seeking to use "the same method, applied to the subject of the medical education of women." The survey found that, of the 189 women who responded, 88% were still practicing medicine, with only 8 women citing "domestic duties" as their reason for leaving the medical practice. The event was witnessed by Pandita Ramabai and she was congratulated by Queen Victoria. Bodley later wrote an introduction to Pandita Ramabai's book The High-Caste Hindu Woman (1887).

Notable organizations As early as 1864, Rachel Bodley was being recognized nationally for her contribution to science and literature when the State Historical Society of Wisconsin made her a corresponding member. In 1880, she became a member of the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, where she regularly held lecture courses in "Household Chemistry". Her memorial service was held at the Women's Medical College on October 13, 1888. She was buried at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.

Works Catalogue of Plants Contained in Herbarium of Joseph Clark The College Story