Women at the Forefront of Science


Female scientists in the past, such as Rosalind Franklin, Mae C. Jemson, and Ada Lovelace, have worked to demolish the stereotype that science is a profession for a man. There are, however, even earlier females who jump-started pathways for women in science.

Merit Ptah, an Egyptian physician in 2700 B.C., is the first woman on record to have studied medicine. Some even believe that she was the first doctor. During her life, she was called "the chief physician," and she even appears on tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Enheduanna was a Sumerian woman circa 2300 B.C. Astronomy was a part of her religion as she was chosen as the priestess for the moon goddess. She recorded movements of the moon and stars, and she was the first person to create an observatory.

In the first century A.D., Miriam the Jewess studied chemistry and was the first female to have her work saved in any form. Her studies ranged from alchemy to chemistry. She designed chemical equipment which was later described in Egyptian encyclopedias.

Many people know scientists like Galileo and Newton, but very few have a general understanding of female scientists throughout history. It seems that women have been at the forefront of science quite some time and deserve recognition for their work.

[Source: Discovery.com ]

Name

Location

Email

Comment