This book tells the story of how women first fought for inclusion in scientific societies in Edwardian Britain. Though educational opportunities in schools and universities were improving, there were few fellowships or chances of paid employment in the sciences. Excluded from most scientific societies, women were deprived of not just the chance to share their scientific experiences with other enthusiasts but of mixing with and impressing potential employers. Barriers were overcome in many cases, but not in all. The book explores the lives of individual women who were brave pioneers and by the outbreak of WWI had proved that they were the equals of men. Many at the heart of the struggle within the sciences were also involved in the fight for suffrage, their success in the sciences helping to change men's attitudes towards women.

Auteur
Peter Ayres is an Emeritus Professor of Lancaster University, UK.

Résumé

This book tells the story of how women first fought for inclusion among scientific societies in Edwardian Britain. Though educational opportunities in schools and universities were improving, there were few fellowships or chances of paid employment in the sciences. Excluded from most scientific societies, women were deprived of not just the chance to share their scientific experiences with other enthusiasts but of mixing with and impressing potential employers. Barriers were overcome in many cases, but not in all. This book will explore the lives of individual women who were brave pioneers and by the outbreak of WWI had proved that they were the equals of men. Many at the heart of the struggle within the sciences were also involved in the fight for suffrage, their success in the sciences helping to change men's attitudes towards women.

Contenu

Chapter 1. Fellowship And a Woman's Place In Edwardian Science.- Chapter 2. Joining the Like-Minded: Societies And Meeting Places.- Chapter 3. Educational Opportunities for Girls and Women.- Chapter 4. How Mrs. Farquharson Triumphed but was Excluded from a Glittering Occasion.- Chapter 5. Miss Sargant and a Botanical Web.- Chapter 6. Approved by Mrs Farquharson?- Chapter 7. Gentlewoman Microbiologists.- Chapter 8. An Unavoidable Need for Male Support.- Chapter 9. Brave and Unconventional.- Chapter 10. What Sort Of Women Sought Fellowship? Were They Good Fellows?