Synopses & Reviews
This volume features substantive biographical essays on 97 world and American women scientists who have made significant contributions to the life sciences from antiquity to the present, with the emphasis on 20th-century women. The essays go beyond the basic facts found in standard biographical dictionaries, however. Developmental influences, obstacles faced and overcome, and the efforts of these women to contribute to their chosen professions in spite of sometimes overwhelming disapproval of the establishment come alive in these portraits. Many of the living scientists profiled contributed interviews and autobiographical statements, which adds a vital and unique element to their profiles. Entries, written by 63 practicing scientists and researchers, explain the scientific work clearly in terms familiar to general readers and high school students.
Review
...highly readable.Mills Quarterly
Review
Biographical entries of 97 women who have made significant contributions to the life sciences from antiquity to the present... The nature and impact of each woman's work is put in lay terms so readers can understand its importance. Few readers will recognize any names other than Rachel Carson and Elizabeth Blackwell--all the more reason to have this book in one's collection. Although students may use it initially for reports, few will leave it without being hooked into reading about others who catch their interest. There are cancer researchers, physicians, ornithologists, environmentalists, horticulturalists, and more, all in one place, ready to inspire and educate YAs... Once teachers become familiar with this book, many worthwhile and diverse assignments could be based on the information it contains. Gender issues, historical period, and career opportunities are all possibilities not immediately obvious from the title. A little promotion could make this a popular resource.School Library Journal
Review
Ninety-seven women scientists who have made significant contributions to the life sciences are covered here in substantive essays...No other reference book on women scientists has quite this focus or depth of information...The work notes the struggles these women faced in overcoming sexual discrimination and other problems such as family opposition or poverty and indicates why the reader should be interested in them. Well written and informative, this book will be helpful in high-school, public, and academic libraries where it will bolster collections in women's studies and scientific biography.Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
Review
Readers looking for substantive biographies of women in the life sciences will find 97 well-written essays by 66 contributors in this book....Recommended....[F]or all science libraries or for libraries supporting women's studies programs.Science and Technology Libraries
Review
The sixty-three practicing scientists and researchers who wrote the entries explain the lives of their subjects in clear prose aimed at a general readership.Journal of Women's History
Synopsis
Biographical essays on 97 noted world and American women scientists who have made significant contributions to the life sciences from antiquity to the present.
About the Author
BENJAMIN F. SHEARER is Vice-President for Student Life at Neumann College in Aston, Pennsylvania.BARBARA S. SHEARER is Director of Public Services and External Relations at the Scott Memorial Library, Thomas Jefferson University, in Philadelphia.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Biographies
Appendix I: Scientists by Fields
Appendix II: Scientists by Awards Received
Index