Adelaide Lukanina’s A Year in America : a critical view of nineteenth century America

Abstract

The following text is a translation of Adelaide Lukanina's "A Year in America." First published in 1881-82 as a series of articles in the Russian journal Vestnik Evropy, one of Russia's most progressive journals in the nineteenth century, she provides perhaps the only published firsthand account of nineteenth century American life written by a Russian female physician. She began her medical studies at the University of Zurich but was forced to leave after the Russian government prohibited Russian women from continuing their studies in Zurich in 1873. Lukanina decided to complete her medical degree in the United States. During her fifteen month stay (1875-76), she chronicled her activities as a medical student and offers a critical analysis of American life. The plight of the Native Americans, Chinese, Irish, and women receive considerable attention. Lukanina's depiction of her experiences makes a significant contribution to understanding women's medical education in its initial stages. This translation will allow those interested in the history of medicine, science, women, and travel diaries greater access to this invaluable source.