The Cottonwool Doctor - The story of Margaret Ann Bulkly, known as Dr. James Barry

Jul 17, 2026

A children’s non-fiction story follows Margaret Ann Bulkly, who disguises herself and pursues a life in medicine despite strict rules that once barred girls from becoming doctors. Living in Ireland and facing limited opportunities, she finds support through James Barry and General Miranda, then turns bravery into action by cutting her hair, training her voice, and studying relentlessly. The narrative highlights determination, education, and courageous self-belief.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryStory & Novel

FormatPDF

Pages23

Reading Time35 min

The Cottonwool Doctor

Margaret Ann Bulkly’s early life

The plan to become a doctor

Medical study and persistence

The Cottonwool Doctor The story of Margaret Ann Bulkly, known as Dr. James Barry English Non Fiction The Cottonwool Doctor Written by Michelle Matthews Illustrated by Jean de Wet Book Dash English Illustrated by Jean de Wet Written by Michelle Matthews Designed by Bridgitte Chemaly Potton with the help of the Book Dash participants in Cape Town on 10 May 2014. [www.bookdash.org](www.bookdash.org) Copyright © 2014, Jean de Wet, Michelle Matthews, Bridgitte Chemaly Potton, and [BookDash.org](BookDash.org) [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) You are free to make commercial use of this work. You may adapt and add to this work. You must keep the copyright and credits for authors, illustrators, etc. ISBN 978-0-9946519-5-2 Once upon a time, about 200 years ago, there was a girl called Margaret Ann Bulkly. Margaret lived in a cool, green land called Ireland, in a country called Great Britain. Margaret was clever and curious. Margaret had big dreams. Margaret was brave and fought when she thought something was wrong. Margaret's mother and father paid for her brother to be educated as a lawyer . And then they used the last of their money so that he could marry a wealthy man's daughter. Margaret was clever and had big dreams. But there was no money left for her to study, not even as a governess ora nurse . Margaret was brave . "I want to be adoctor!" she said. But two hundred years ago a girl could not become a lawyer or a politician or a doctor. Margaret had an uncle who was a famous painter. His name was James Barry. One of James Barry's friends was General Miranda from Venezuela. General Miranda had a library---it was very beautiful and very big. His library had more than 6000 books! "I want to read this one! And this one! And this one!" said Margaret. She was clever and curious. General Miranda was impressed. When Margaret's uncle James Barry died, he left her some money. "It's enough money to study to be a doctor!"said General Miranda. "But I can't become a doctor," said Margaret. "A boy can become a doctor," said General Miranda . "And you can dress like a boy. " Margaret was brave and she fought for what she believed in. She really wanted to be a doctor. So she cut off her hair. She practiced speaking in a deep voice. She put on boy's clothes . From then onwards, no one knew that Margaret was a girl. She became James Barry, just like her uncle. James Barry was a hard-working medical student. He took 13 subjects and worked all through the summer when the other students went on holiday.

FAQs

Why can’t Margaret Ann Bulkly study to become a doctor when she is young?

At the time, girls could not become doctors, and her family’s money was left for her brother rather than her education.

How does General Miranda help Margaret pursue her goal?

He suggests that a boy can become a doctor and encourages her to dress like a boy so she can be accepted.

What does Margaret do to keep her true identity hidden?

She cuts off her hair, practices speaking in a deep voice, and wears boys’ clothes, so people do not realize she is a girl.

Jul 17, 2026

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