Born: 1659, Switzerland
Died: 2 July 1715
Country most active: Switzerland
Also known as: Hortensia von Salis
The following is excerpted from “400 Outstanding Women of the World and the Costumology of Their Time” by Minna Moscherosch Schmidt, published in 1933.
She was the oldest daughter of Stadtvogt Gubert von Salis. Her maternal great-grandfather, Hans Luzi von Moos, was Ambassador for Switzerland to many countries. In 1682 she was married to Rudolf Gugelberg von Moos, a lieutenant in the French Service. Ten years later she was a widow. During her husband’s many absences and after his death, she was left to manage her own estates. This independent form of life brought with it many problems, which she tried to solve with the aid of her Bible. She was interested in medical research and corresponded with the eminent Prof. Schenchzer, physician and naturalist in Zurich. She also corresponded with “Good Queen Anne,” of England. She was a staunch worker for the emancipation of woman, for which her antagonists criticized her, quoting verses from the Bible.
Some of her writings published in 1696 contain interesting and scientific tracts of conversation, some humorous, some educational. She wrote on many and varied subjects, among others, the structure of the human body; disease, its cause and cure; the care and raising of children; tea, coffee, chocolate, and geology.
Her useful, courageous and honourable life befriended her to many.