American Women Of Science Since 1900

This reference source boasts some 500 entries of American women scientists whose major contributions occurred after 1900. Although updated and expanded, this two-volume set is largely based on Martha Bailey's two American Women in Science biographical dictionaries (CH, Apr'99, 36-4237; CH, Dec'94, 32-1850). However, Wayne (independent scholar) includes only professional scientists or science educators, thereby excluding women who may have contributed to science in other ways. Preceding the alphabetical entries are two introductory sections. One discusses issues related to women in science, and the other provides a brief introduction to each discipline. Each biographical entry is approximately one page and includes the scientist's education, professional experience, and concurrent positions. One or two suggestions for further reading are listed with most entries, but references are not. To compare this title with other relatively recent works, The Biographical Dictionary of Women in Science, edited by M. Ogilvie and J. Harvey (CH, Feb'01, 38-3076) includes only 9 of the 70 women with surnames beginning with "A" or "B" that are in Wayne's set; only 5 of 70 are included in Notable Twentieth-Century Scientists, edited by E. J. McMurray, J. K. Kosek, and R. M. Valade (CH, Mar'95, 32-3652). This set is valuable for its unique content and compilation of biographies based on a specific gender, nationality, and time period. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students. Lower-division Undergraduates; Upper-division Undergraduates; Graduate Students. Reviewed by D. M. Braquet.

A comprehensive examination of American women scientists across the sciences throughout the 20th century, providing a rich historical context for understanding their achievements and the way they changed the practice of science.

This reference source boasts some 500 entries of American women scientists whose major contributions occurred after 1900. Although updated and expanded, this two-volume set is largely based on Martha Bailey's two American Women in Science biographical dictionaries (CH, Apr'99, 36-4237; CH, Dec'94, 32-1850). However, Wayne (independent scholar) includes only professional scientists or science educators, thereby excluding women who may have contributed to science in other ways. Preceding the alphabetical entries are two introductory sections. One discusses issues related to women in science, and the other provides a brief introduction to each discipline. Each biographical entry is approximately one page and includes the scientist's education, professional experience, and concurrent positions. One or two suggestions for further reading are listed with most entries, but references are not. To compare this title with other relatively recent works, The Biographical Dictionary of Women in Science, edited by M. Ogilvie and J. Harvey (CH, Feb'01, 38-3076) includes only 9 of the 70 women with surnames beginning with "A" or "B" that are in Wayne's set; only 5 of 70 are included in Notable Twentieth-Century Scientists, edited by E. J. McMurray, J. K. Kosek, and R. M. Valade (CH, Mar'95, 32-3652). This set is valuable for its unique content and compilation of biographies based on a specific gender, nationality, and time period. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students. Lower-division Undergraduates; Upper-division Undergraduates; Graduate Students. Reviewed by D. M. Braquet.

Winner of the Berkshire Conference of Women Historians Prize In volume one of this landmark study, focusing on developments up to 1940, Margaret Rossiter describes the activities and personalities of the numerous women scientists—astronomers, chemists, biologists, and psychologists—who overcame extraordinary obstacles to contribute to the growth of American science. This remarkable history recounts women's efforts to establish themselves as members of the scientific community and examines the forces that inhibited their active and visible participation in the sciences.

The groundbreaking New York Times bestseller, Women in Science by Rachel Ignotofsky, comes to the youngest readers in board format! Highlighting notable women's contributions to STEM, this board book edition features simpler text and Rachel Ignotofsky's signature illustrations reimagined for young readers to introduce the perfect role models to grow up with while inspiring a love of science. The collection includes diverse women across various scientific fields, time periods, and geographic locations. The perfect gift for every curious budding scientist!

A comprehensive examination of American women scientists across the sciences throughout the 20th century, providing a rich historical context for understanding their achievements and the way they changed the practice of science. Much more than a "Who's Who," this exhaustive two-volume encyclopedia examines the significant achievements of 20th century American women across the sciences in light of the historical and cultural factors that affected their education, employment, and research opportunities. With coverage that includes a number of scientists working today, the encyclopedia shows just how much the sciences have evolved as a professional option for women, from the dawn of the 20th century to the present. American Women of Science since 1900 focuses on 500 of the 20th century's most notable American women scientists—many overlooked, undervalued, or simply not well known. In addition, it offers individual features on 50 different scientific disciplines (Women in Astronomy, etc.), as well as essays on balancing career and family, girls and science education, and other sociocultural topics. Readers will encounter some extraordinary scientific minds at work, getting a sense of the obstacles they faced as the scientific community faced the questions of feminism and gender confronting the nation as a whole.

For most of the 20th century, American women had little encouragement to become scientists. In 1906, there were only 75 female scientists employed by academic institutions in the entire country. Despite considerable barriers, determined women have, however, decidedly distinguished themselves. Three examples: Astronomer Annie Jump Cannon discovered five novas and over 300 other stars. Mathematician and computer scientist Grace Hopper helped invent the COBOL language. Anesthesiologist Virginia Apgar devised the now universally used Apgar score to make a rapid evaluation of a newborn's condition just after delivery. Of the 23 American women scientists covered, six were awarded Nobel prizes. Each biography is accompanied by a photograph. A bibliography and an index complete the work.

Winner of the Pfizer Award for Outstanding Book in the History of Science Margaret Rossiter's widely hailed Women Scientists in America: Struggles and Strategies to 1940 marked the beginning of a pioneering effort to interpret the history of American women scientists. That effort continues in this provocative sequel that covers the crucial years of World War II and beyond. Rossiter begins by showing how the acute labor shortage brought on by the war seemed to hold out new hope for women professionals, especially in the sciences. But the public posture of welcoming women into the scientific professions masked a deep-seated opposition to change. Rossiter proves that despite frustrating obstacles created by the patriarchal structure and values of universities, government, and industry, women scientists made genuine contributions to their fields, grew in professional stature, and laid the foundation for the breakthroughs that followed 1972.