Florence Nightingale

Strong willed, she rebelled against woman’s stereotypical role as an obedient wife, much to the distress of her family. Inspired by “a divine calling,” Nightingale committed to a life of nursing, a career which then had a poor reputation. She was particularly concerned with the appalling conditions of medical care for the poor, which led to her active role in substantial medical care improvements.

Her pioneering treatment of Crimean War wounded made Nightingale an international figure and heroine in  England. Later at the invitation of Queen Victoria, Nightingale participated in establishment of the Royal Commission on the Health of the Army.