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Category Archives: Mathematicians
Emmy Noether – Original in More Ways Than One
“Fraulein Noether was the most significant creative mathematical genius thus far produced since the higher education of women began.” ~ Albert Einstein If you ask anyone to name a famous woman mathematician, the names that come to mind will usually … Continue reading
Ada Byron Lovelace – “Enchantress of Numbers”
Ada Byron Lovelace – (1815-1852) Often women in the 18th and 19th centuries overcame significant odds to study mathematics or science, but as with every rule there is the exception. Ada Byron Lovelace is one of those exceptions. In Ada’s … Continue reading
Mary Fairfax Somerville – Mathematics by Candlelight
“I was annoyed that my turn for reading was so much disapproved of, and thought it unjust that women should have been given a desire for knowledge if it were wrong to acquire it.” Mary Fairfax Somerville (1780 – 1872) … Continue reading
Posted in Mathematicians, Scientists, Writers
Tagged 19th century, astronomy, Mary Somerville, mathematics, science, Scotland
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Laura Bassi – Italian Physicist (1711 – 1778)
The entrance of women into the sciences has been a long process beginning several centuries ago. It’s not easy to find these women in the 18th century, but those that made a name for themselves did so because they were … Continue reading
Posted in Educators, Mathematicians, Scientists
Tagged 18th century, Italian physicist, Italy, physics, science, women in science
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Émilie du Châtelet – “femme savant” and paramour
Depending on where you have heard of Émilie du Châtelet you know her as a mathematician and scientist, or the paramour of Voltaire. She was both, a complex woman stimulated by intelligent conversation and study, but also a coquette. On … Continue reading
Posted in Mathematicians, Scandalous Women, Scientists
Tagged 18th century, famous lovers, France, mathematics, Newton, Principia Mathematica, Voltaire
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Sonya Kovalevsky – A Marriage of Convenience
“Ask him to marry one of us? You’re crazy,” said Inez. “It’s the perfect solution”, replied Sonya’s sister Anyuta. “A lot of people are doing it. Women can’t study in Russia. At least the aristocracy can’t. It’s considered improper,” as … Continue reading
Posted in Educators, Mathematicians
Tagged 19th century, history, mathematics, Sonya Kovalevsky, women
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Hypatia – A Martyr for the Truth
This was inspired by the life of Hypatia, who lived in the 4th and 5th centuries C.E. She was a real person and brilliant mathematician. Often she is the only woman mathematician mentioned in books on the history of math. … Continue reading
Posted in Ancient History, Mathematicians, Scientists
Tagged 5th century, Alexandria, Greek, history, martyr, mathematics, science, women
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Women gaining in STEM
I intended this to be a blog about women in history, as in not currently living, but I’ve already added a book review about a women currently fighting for human rights in Afghanistan and I can’t resist posting the link … Continue reading
Posted in Mathematicians, Scientists
Tagged 21st century, mathematics, science, women
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Maria Gaetana Agnesi – 18th century mathematician
“How long will I have to do this?” must have been the thought that frequently ran through the mind of Maria Agnesi as she stood in her parlor on Friday nights. Maria Gaetana Agnesi was the oldest of 21 children … Continue reading
Posted in Educators, Mathematicians, Saints & Religious leaders, Writers
Tagged 18th century, history, Italy, mathematics, science, women
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