Scientists Anonymous: Great Stories of Women in Science

by Patricia Fara

The big names are here - Marie Curie, Florence Nightingale, Rosalind Franklin - alongside stories of brilliant women who have been forgotten, in a fascinating blend of history, science and biography.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2002

About the author

Patricia Fara is a historian of science at the University of Cambridge. She is a graduate of the University of Oxford and did her PhD at the University of London. She is a former Fellow of Darwin College and is currently a Fellow of Clare College where she is Senior Tutor and Tutor for graduate students. Fara is also a research associate and lecturer in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science. Fara is author of numerous popular books on the history of science and has been a guest on BBC Radio 4's science and history discussion series, In Our Time. She began her academic career as a physicist but returned to graduate studies as a mature student to specialise in History and Philosophy of Science, completing her PhD thesis at Imperial College, London in 1993.

Her areas of particular academic interest include the role of portraiture and art in the history of science, science in the 18th century England during the Enlightenment and the role of women in science. She has written and co-authored a number of books for children on science. Fara is also a reviewer of books on history of science.

Reviews

[Lisa Kucharski · Rating 3 out of 5]

The subject of the book, finding out about women who broke into the world of science well before being thought of as fully equal to man, was of interest to me. (Though I don't know if we are still considered by all men to equal to them at this time.)

The first part of the book contained what I thought was a good start, but once in I found it to be oddly laid out. You had an overview of a period and area then you basically got individual bio sections of each of the women just covered, semi-repeating the information. Which certainly encouraged me to start skimming over the repeated info, and also wondering about the lack of using the space for new information or more insight of the person and or times.

There certainly felt like there was very very little information regarding any specifics about women's involvement, and that one would have to dig hard to find any real documented points. It really gives one a glimpse of how far society has changed, in areas of the planet, while others feel like they have basically not moved for over 500 years for women.

I also found it interesting that there wasn't any inclusion of women much in the social sciences... there is Goodall but not Margaret Mead.

Also, I missed having a bit better scope of the cultural times that the women and men lived. There was some general mentions but it seemed to be rote.

So, would I suggest reading it. It's a good book to pick up and put down. It is written so that you can read about a specific person quickly. It gives a list for further reading as well. So, if you are trying to find information about this area it's a good basic place to start, a quick reference.

[Stella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am a woman in STEM. Through this book, I was introduced to some name of brilliant women and their struggle to achieve their opportunity working in STEM where it was a male-dominated field. It is very inspiring and motivating.

However, I feel bad that I decided to give 2 stars for the book but i think it is a fair rate to criticize the writer who is often showing her antipathy towards man.

There are many women were not given full credit for their contribution; hindered by men from participating in science experiment due to competitive reason or sometimes because they underestimate women competence. Back then, man was a bully to woman. But showing hatred on man through writing, isn’t that make us equal to them?

If this book is read by a young reader, I think it’ll give poor influence to them. Rather than blaming or bad mouthing about man, i would suggest the writer to highlight womens’ continuous desire to explore; their rebellious and courages action on breaking the rule.

Because to survive in man-domination field, simply just flaunt your expertise and display your passion on the field. Not competing. :)

[Melissa Dwyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Originally rated A by Dale Bizub
This 200 page “paperback” book chronicles scores of women of science thoughout the world from the 17th to the 21st century. Many have been forgotten or were never given credit for their accomplishments. The descriptions are short, biographical and include information on their socioeconomic backgrounds. The book spends a lot of print pointing out the injustices perpetuated on women. It’s hard to tell if the author’s main objective is about remembering and celebrating their accomplishments or pointing out sexism throughout history. Although there is some interesting information, the book is rather disjointed in scope. Unforturnately I could not find any other review and really wasn’t motivated to go cover to cover. Check it out for yourself but I think there are better books out there that cover both of these areas with more depth.

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at some of the women who worked in science. Fara does point out that many of them may be uncredited and unknown but the few that are known had to fight to be, even partially, recognised. In a few instances when they managed to get by authorities the men in charge blocked further inroads.

It's a good read for teenage girls, if only to make sure they understand that they have to stop slippage of their rights.