Florence Nightingale is generally regarded as having founded the modern profession of nursing. She was born in Florence, Italy, to very wealthy parents who were on an extended honeymoon (2 years) throughout Europe. Her family returned to their estate in England, where Nightingale's father taught her languages, history, and philosophy. It was expected that Nightingale would follow the conventions of the era, learning needlework and leisurely, lady's activities, eventually marrying as befitted her station in high society. At 16, however, Nightingale felt herself to be called to higher purpose by the voice of God.

Nightingale approached her parents about her desire to enter training to become a nurse, but they were horrified at the low-class nature of her interest, and tried to dissuade her. Ultimately, they forbade her, but within a few years she ignored their protests and enrolled in the Institution of Deaconesses in Germany. She returned to London...