As a female seeking a career in the scientific field, I found this discussion topic to be highly relevant and intriguing. Even though it is 2019, there are still gaps in the presence of women in the STEM community, such as in engineering. However, fortunately, this gender gap has improved drastically since the time of many of these scientists from England and France. Reflecting on the work that some of these female scientists have accomplished, such as Margaret Cavendish in the mid-17th century, exposes quite impressive intellect and courage. I find Cavendish’s outspoken nature and interest in science to be profound for the time. I strive to have similar confidence. For anyone to be remembered still today is a feat, but particularly so for these women.
I enjoyed Dr. Breitenberger’s commentary on nearly all of the women, such as Mary Anning, Elise Widdowson, and Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin. It seems as though the process for giving credit to discoveries is complicated. Though Anning was not highly regarded during her time, at least her memory survives, even to the extent of the discussion of her in a classroom in Ohio in the United States. Furthermore, the work that Widdowson completed on nutritional necessities particularly during war, sustainability, and quantification of food value is quite interesting. Or even the passion that Hodgkin had when researching the structure of insulin.
Additionally, I found Anne McLaren’s work as a developmental biologist to be relevant to my personal life, because my father is an OB/GYN reproductive endocrinologist who performs in vitro fertilization almost every day. My father’s career would likely not exist, or at least not exist early enough for him to have this career, without the work of McLaren.
I also enjoyed Dr. Breitenberger’s inclusion of quotes from the scientists themselves, such as Marie Curie’ commentary on the separation of scientific work and private life and Emilie Du Chatelet’s opinion on education in that we all should have the right to access to education. Though the group that is not receiving education may change over time, it is still a tragedy if one is not able to pursue education. Overall, the presence of particular individuals in the history of accomplishments, such as scientific accomplishments, is often inaccurate and unjust, but it is important to take into consideration the social customs and ways of thinking of the time. Yet, this makes the contributions from these women even more impressive. Thank you for the presentation, Dr. Breitenberger!
Two comments you made in your post I also related to, Emily. One was that I also appreciated the use of quotes in Dr. Breitenberger’s presentation. I felt they sort of served to sum up the viewpoint and accomplishment of each woman. Another was your commentary on it not being possible to judge those in the past from a modern viewpoint. The truth is we just don’t know how we would behave if we were to have lived in another time. On the other hand, as you say, it makes the confidence and bravery that some of these women needed to succeed in male-dominated activities as all the more noteworthy.