Matilda Chaplin Ayrton

Matilda Chaplin Ayrton was a notable British physician and writer, born in 1846. She was one of the pioneering female doctors of her time, having attended the University of Edinburgh and subsequently studying medicine in Paris. Ayrton was not only known for her medical contributions but also for her literary works, particularly in the realm of folklore and fairytales. She spent a significant portion of her life in Japan, where she became deeply interested in Japanese culture and folklore. This fascination led her to collect and adapt Japanese tales, contributing significantly to the Western understanding of Japanese folklore. Her works, such as 'The Parsley Queen' and 'The Filial Girl,' reflect her dedication to bringing Eastern tales to a Western audience. Matilda Chaplin Ayrton passed away at a young age in 1883, but her contributions to both medicine and literature have left a lasting legacy.