Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689–1762) was an English aristocrat, writer, and advocate for smallpox inoculation. Best known for her witty letters and poetry, she gained prominence for her travels, especially her time in the Ottoman Empire, where she observed Eastern customs and practices. Montagu championed the practice of inoculation after witnessing it in Turkey, leading to increased acceptance of this method in England, which ultimately contributed to the development of vaccination. Her work and insights on gender, culture, and health remain influential in both literature and medical history.