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5. Medical treatment in girls’ schools of the Russian Empire: 18th – beginning of 19th century

Medical treatment in girls’ schools of the Russian Empire: 18th – beginning of 19th century

Ponomareva V.V.

Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of History, Lomonosov Prospect, 27, Moscow, 119192, Russia

Ponomareva Varvara V., PhD, DSc. in History; ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1707-2281; varvarapon@mail.ru

Abstract

Results This study looks at inception and development of medical departments in girls’ schools of the Russian Empire during the second half of the 18th and beginning of 19th century, the first of which was founded in 1764. Materials and methods. The problems of the article, based on a wide range of sources, both archival and published, studied using the principles of objectivity and historicism, still remain unexplored. Results. Empress Catherine II and her associates’ ideas, based on innovative principles in the physical education of children, which were being developed by European Enlightenment thinkers of the 18th century, had to be implemented in a practical way in both boys’ and girls’ state-established schools of the Russian Empire. With emphasis on preventive healthcare, the organization of necessary medical procedure in a boarding school with 200–300 pupils was an uncharted territory. Discussion. Gradual establishment of medical matters throughout the early period of history of girls’ schools progressed tracing general development in medical science and practice. The experience of scientific organization of medical assistance was systematically gained in privileged state-run schools: initial examination of new students, routine health checks, universal smallpox vaccinations, organization of strict quarantine in the instance of infectious disease outbreak, establishment of modern infirmaries with relevant equipment, development of diagnostics, medicine preparation in own pharmacies, referrals to various specialists.

Keywords

historical anthropology; female education; Age of Enlightenment; girl's boarding schools; The Mariinskiy Establishment; diagnosis; quarantine

DOI: 10.32521/2074-8132.2022.1.125-133

Цит.: Ponomareva V.V. Medical treatment in girls’ schools of the Russian Empire: 18th – beginning of 19th century // Moscow University Anthropology Bulletin (Vestnik Moskovskogo Universiteta. Seria XXIII. Antropologia), 2022; 1/2022; с. 125-133 (Published: June 23, 2022)