The Oldham Notebooks: an analysis of the development of IVF 1969-1978. V. The role of Jean Purdy reassessed

Abstract

The role of Jean Purdy in the work leading to the birth of Louise Brown is assessed. We report that Purdy: (i) recorded and organized most of the data systematically; (ii) probably spent longer working in Oldham than did Edwards; (iii) whilst there, was primarily responsible for organizing laboratory supplies, including media preparation and testing; (iv) was involved in patient care; and (v) was a major source of support to Edwards. We find that Purdy, despite her nursing qualification, was not involved in laparoscopic egg retrieval and clinical aspects, but was focused on basic research activities. The evidence on who was present at embryo transfers is less clear, but suggests that Edwards was present for all, whereas Purdy may have been absent for some. Overall, we conclude that Purdy's role was a highly significant and under-appreciated element in the achievement of IVF in Oldham.

Keywords: Edwards and Steptoe; IVF; Louise Brown, Oldham; Purdy.

Figure 1

Plot of number of laparoscopies (for which a date is recorded, and regardless of outcome or purpose) against month and year. Colour-coded as follows: Orange = Steptoe’s hip replacements; Blue = Purdy’s mother’s terminal illness; Purple = periods identified as teaching obligations for Edwards; Green = periods in which Edwards may have been called on to teach; Red = periods identified from correspondence that Edwards was given permission to be away from Cambridge (RGE6, 1969).

Figure 2

Posed photograph of Purdy at ‘laparoscopic egg collection’ – something she evidently never did (see text). (©John Fallows, reproduced with permission).

Figure 3

Example of Purdy’s artistic and calligraphic abilities and of her sense of humour. (a) Tapestry with the Bourn Hall motto that is inscribed over the front door to the Hall: “Jour de ma vie”. (b) Example of laboratory headed paper used in 1980, ‘Embryo Culture’ written in calligraphy by Purdy. (c) Bourn Hall history recorded in calligraphy by Purdy. (d) Cover of Notebook L1, labelled in Edwards’ handwriting as “RG Edwards, Human, July '69.”; additions in Purdy’s hand converted this to “RG Edwards WAS Human IN July '69”.

Figure 4

(a) Plaque currently in place at Dr Kershaw’s Hospital, Oldham (courtesy of John Fallows who has copyright). (b) Plaque outside the operating theatre at Oldham General Hospital (courtesy of John Fallows who has copyright). (c) Plaque at Bourn Hall dedicated to Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards, unveiled at the celebration of Louise Brown’s thity-fifth birthday in July 2013 (with kind permission from Bourn Hall Ltd). (d) Blue plaque unveiled on the 19 March 2015 at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice (formerly Hospital; courtesy of John Fallows who has copyright).

Figure 5

Headstone for Jean Purdy’s grave in Grantchester churchyard.

Figure 6

Family tree for Jean Purdy.