Emily Pfeiffer (1827–1890) was a British poet, writer and feminist. Best known for her poetry and sonnets, Pfeiffer also published essays and articles for numerous publications addressing the status of women in contemporary society. This volume, first published in 1888, contains Pfeiffer's analysis of social attitudes towards higher education and professional work for women. She explores in detail the social attitudes which discouraged women from attempting higher education, and describes and refutes contemporary medical opinions concerning the supposed dangers to health women faced in pursuit of it. She also presents an economic argument advocating the entry of women both to higher education and to professional employment. This volume provides a valuable analysis of contemporary attitudes to women's education during a period when the beginnings of change were accompanied by much controversy. For more information on this author, see http://orlando.cambridge.org/public/svPeople?person_id=pfeiem