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Elizabeth Blackwell (1707-1758)
Not a great deal is known about Elizabeth Blackwell's life. Her husband Alexander was in debtor's prison because he had not served a proper apprenticeship before setting himself up as a printer as the law required and was forced to close leaving them in debt. Learning there was a need for an herbal, she took lodgings near the Chelsea Physic Garden in London where she could receive fresh plants to draw. She was assisted by local apothecaries and botanists. Her book, A Curious Herbal was published in weekly parts from 1737-1739. She was one of the first women to achieve fame as an author and botanical illustrator.
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