Women Scientists

Mary Somerville 1780-1872

At a glance:

the first popular science writer

It was the death of her first husband that allowed Mary Somerville the financial and emotional independence to study, whch was rare in the 18th century for a woman. Her second marriage to William Somerville bought her into contact with many scientists of the day, including Herschel. Even though she had six children she nevertheless began scientific investigations in 1825, presenting her findings to the Royal Society. However she realised she could reach a larger audience by simple explanation and began a popular science book, The Mechanism of the Heavens. Like many women however she suffered from imposter syndrome. Thinking that she didn't have the qualifications to write it, she swore those involved to secrecy, reasoning that if it was no good, it could be destroyed without anyone knowing. In fact it was a huge success and Somerville with her lucid prose became the first popular science writer. The term scientist was first coined by William Whewell in a review of a book by Somerville. Her last scientific book, Molecular and Microscopic Science' was published when she was 89.
Mary Somerville

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