American Women Scientists: 23 Inspiring Biographies, 1900-2000 [Hardcover]

Moira Davison Reynolds (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1999 | ISBN-10: 0786406496 | ISBN-13: 978-0786406494

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.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up-Four-to-six page profiles of 23 of the century's premier women scientists, representing a wide variety of disciplines. The entries are arranged chronologically beginning with Cornelia Clapp (1849-1934) and ending with Mary Good (1931-). While undoubtedly remarkable, the subjects receive rather dry treatment and the remarks about their appearance seem superfluous. For instance, Reynolds writes, "Florence [Sabin] accepted the fact that she lacked good looks and had to wear glasses." The author then surmises that this may have led to Sabin's rejection of marriage. Such references and the ensuing subjective comments mar the book's otherwise scholarly approach. Details of the scientists' work and experiments are provided, often using jargon without clarifying terms, e.g., "sympathetic ganglia," thus requiring further research. Each entry includes a black-and-white portrait. In some cases, the biographies read like resumes, merely listing the women's numerous accomplishments. In spite of its flaws, the book's broad scope renders it useful to those in need of this information. An epilogue examines the scientists' lives as a whole and draws parallels to determine the factors that led to their tremendous successes.
Laura Glaser, Euless Junior High School, TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"interesting...the women discussed cover a wide range of fields...well illustrated...particularly useful for younger readers" -- Marquette, Michigan Mining Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 159 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (July 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786406496
• ISBN-13: 978-0786406494
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,099,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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