Language
Country/Area
No result found
The hidden achievements of women scientists: How did they change the history of science in ancient times?
Women’s participation in science dates back to the earliest days of scientific history, and their contributions cannot be underestimated. As historians’ interest in gender and science grows, more and more studies on the achievements and challenges faced by female scientists have emerged. Although the achievements of female scientists in history are often overlooked, their contributions to the development of science cannot be ignored.
Women's participation in medicine grew in many early Western civilizations, and the study of natural philosophy in ancient Greece was opened to women.
In the first or second century AD, women made significant contributions to the proto-science of alchemy. During the Middle Ages, monasteries became important places for women's education, and these communities gave women the opportunity to participate in academic studies. Although the first universities that emerged in the 11th century generally excluded women, in Italy the field of medicine seemed to be more open to female education, and the emergence of various female scientists gradually changed this situation.
The first woman to hold a university professorship in the field of science was the 18th-century Italian scientist Lola Bassi.
As the 19th century progressed, women were largely excluded from formal scientific education, but they began to be included in scholarly societies. With the rise of women's colleges, female scientists have gained more employment opportunities and educational resources. Renowned scientist Marie Curie pioneered research into radioactive decay and discovered the elements radium and polonium.
Between 1901 and 2022, sixty women have won a Nobel Prize, including 24 in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine.
Cross-cultural perspectives
However, most of the literature on female scientists focuses on the West, ignoring women from other cultures and non-white people. It was not until the establishment of the Kovalevskaya Foundation in 1985 and the Organization for Women in Science for Developing Countries in 1993 that these once marginalized female scientists gradually gained greater visibility.
Many studies on female scientists focus on individuals and subcultures in Western Europe and North America, and these generalized observations do not necessarily hold true in other cultures.
Examples from Ancient History
The involvement of women in the field of medicine can be found in several ancient civilizations. The Egyptian physician Pethesheth was one of the first recorded female physicians, while the Greek Agamed was praised as a healer by Homer. More women such as Agraone and Tiano also played important roles in mathematics and medicine in ancient Greece.
Medieval Europe
In the early Middle Ages, monasteries were important places for women's education, but they also faced resistance from the male clergy. Many monasteries were subsequently closed, and women's learning opportunities were restricted. The Salerno Medical School in Italy was relatively open to the education of female medical staff, and the emergence of female doctors such as Hershtola further demonstrated women's scientific capabilities.
Scientific Revolution 16th to 18th Century
With the rise of the Scientific Revolution, the importance of women in the field of science was gradually recognized. Margaret Cavendish participated in important scientific debates through her writings, while Maria Sibylla Merian made in-depth observations of nature and demonstrated the potential of scientific research. Although women’s contributions to science during this period did not change society’s prejudices against them, their achievements amplified discussions about women’s roles.
Changes in the Eighteenth Century
In the eighteenth century, although women's scientific status was improved, it was still restricted in many aspects. Sally White invented a cure for smallpox, making her an important figure in medical history, and Lola Brazil became the first woman to hold a university professorship in physics. Based on the dedication of these women, the scientific community has gradually begun to take women's participation seriously.
The hidden achievements of female scientists force us to ponder: Can today’s generation continue to push for equality and allow women to realize the same potential and influence in modern science?
