(You find yourself in a cramped office full of books, papers, and various pieces of scientific equipment. Seated at a desk is a woman studying her notes.)  “Bonjour! My name is Dr. Marie Curie. I am a professor here at the University of Paris. In fact, I am the first female professor on staff. Please feel free to look around, but don’t touch!” “On the shelf there are the two Nobel prizes I received during my career. Did you know I was the only person who ever received two Nobel prizes in different fields of science? I received one in Physics, and one in Chemistry.” “But, you are not here to talk about me are you? Very well. I would like to introduce you to some of the women upon whose shoulders I stand. These women laid the foundation for those, like me, who would follow, and break our own trails.” “Come with me, and we will start in Ancient Greece where we will meet the female students of Pythagoras. Their studies greatly contributed to the body of work that would bear their instructor’s name.” “After that, we will go to 11th century Italy, and meet a groundbreaking physician named Trotula. Her work influenced medicine for several centuries after her death.” “Then, we will finish our tour in 17th century Poland, where we will meet an astronomer named Maria Cunitz. Maria is one of the earliest female astronomers on record. Her work advanced the theories of Kepler, and brought astronomy to the masses.” “By time we are finished, I hope you have gained a better understanding of the influence, as well as direct impact, that women have had on the predominately male fields of science.” Introduction The Pythagorean Women Trotula of Salerno Maria Cunitz Conclusion Return to the Main Project Page or E-mail Richard Cavett with questions or comments. |