Background
Erxleben was instructed in medicine by her father from an early age.
Erxleben was instructed in medicine by her father from an early age.
In 1754, She was the first German woman to receive a Doctor of Philosophy. Erxleben and her brother, Christian Polycarp Leporin, studied basic science, Latin, and medicine with their father, Christian Polycarp Leporin.
The Italian scientist Laura Bassi"s university professorship inspired Erxleben to fight for her right to practise medicine. In 1742 she published a tract arguing that women should be allowed to attend university. After being admitted to study by a dispensation of Frederick the Great, Erxleben received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Halle in 1754.
This influenced her to challenge the theological and philosophical groundwork of why women were placed in a subordinate position.
Predicting criticism from both sexes, Erxleben addressed male and female readers. She used the language of modesty, a common method used by women in the Querelle des Femmes, while addressing male readers.
She is more direct and critical of women's excuses that are used to avoid educating themselves to improve their lives. She recognized that some women are occupied with physically demanding work of caring for the household and have little time to educate themselves.
Despite this, she still criticized them for lacking the drive to get an education.