As a woman in science, I found this presentation to be extremely relevant. Most of my science classes always mention the men behind historical experiments and theories, so it was refreshing for the women to finally receive some recognition. From Margaret Cavendish being the first woman to be invited to the Royal Society meeting in 1667, all the way to Marie Curie being awarded the first Nobel Prize to a woman in 1903, it is evident that traditional views have excluded women from science. Even women who did manage to overcome this suppression, they rarely did so independently. They all had families or husbands with whom they worked with, such as Caroline Herschel and Marie-Ann Lavoisier. It is frustrating that some women’s work has been misattributed to men. I appreciated how Dr. Breitenberger emphasized these wrongdoings.
English and French women scientists brought a new perspective of science that was often overlooked in the 19th century. Science was thought to be just a collection of facts, but these women demonstrated that mathematical models, and the articulation and translation of science is just as valuable. I like how Dr. Breitenberger included how Marie Curie’s personal life was brought into question for her success in her professional life. That is something we still see today for renowned women. I enjoyed this presentation greatly. It showed how far we have come with the inclusion of women in science, and how far we still have to go.
I agree, Devon, that it is especially important for young women in science to be taught both the historical suppression and the historical accomplishments of the women in Caroline’s presentation. From one perspective they were true pioneers, but at the same time, they were all women who seemed to be doing what came very natural to them. I hope this fact is more appreciated today.