There are a great deal of women who were important to the history of science, and who were either purposefully erased from the records, simply forgotten, or had to go under a man's name for publication.
The truth is, when it comes to science, there's one thing I like more than the science itself... and that's the history behind it. Most important discoveries have a cool story behind them, and some are even a case of intense backstabbing -- as good as any political intrigue, if you ask me!
As inspired by this recent xkcd comic (the same Sommer posted at Tell Great Stories, for those who hang out at both blogs), I'll try to dig out some cool science discoveries for you. It might look something like the post on Osamu Shimomura, and the bit on how close he was to Nagasaki.
If you have any suggestions for these, especially if they are oft-forgotten women, please e-mail them to me at claudiea.writer AT gmail.com I have a few topics lined up, but I want this to run as long as I can make it.
Starting Friday, with Rosalind Franklin and the discovery of DNA.
I love this idea! I haven't read the Henrietta Lacks story, but I'm hoping to get to that this summer. I had no idea that's where scientists got the term HeLa cells. I bet she's already on the list, but consider this a vote for her!
ReplyDeleteSorry... I commented and didn't email it to you. Oops... :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I'll keep an eye on comments for suggestions, too, don't you worry. :) I wouldn't want to miss one!
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