Forces of Nature: The Women who Changed Science

Historically, the contributions of women to science have been poorly documented and it’s really mainly in recent history that they’ve been given much more than a mention. So to have a book about women in science is pretty amazing. It’s also maddening and sad that what we know of women in science could even begin to fill only just one volume. And yet, the information is so scant as to having to piece together the puzzle of where women would have played their roles.

This volume discusses women in the scientific world from ancient times to the contemporary. Early history is conjecture to a certain degree, based on what we know of the periods of history. This takes into account early female roles in history that have carried on through the ages such as healing and dealing with childbirth. As we reach the 17th-18th centuries, there are more written records of the contributions although much of the acknowledgement of these efforts comes through a male counterpart, be it a mentor, employer or spouse. Women’s roles in science started to become more of a separate entity as we came into the 19th and 20th centuries and in modern times women get a lot more credit than at any time in earlier history.

The book is divided into time periods and each era focuses on notable women of the time. There are images of several of these women, in drawings and photograph and some women even get their own pages with mini-biographies. While I like these pages, I was disappointed that most of the information included was repeated from the main text. I would have liked there to be more reason to read these side articles. Although it was pointed out to me that perhaps this was done for those who might skim the book instead of reading it through.

Aside from that note, I will say I was quite pleased with the book and learned quite a bit about women who have played roles that I’ve not heard about. I see this book as an introduction and jumping point to find more information about these women. I also liked the way the authors had no problem with pointing out some of the negatives of the women involved. So if a woman was remarkable for the science but was racist, it was noted. Privilege was the main factor as to how far a woman might go in making progress in scientific achievement and it was usually through a connection with a mentor, employer, or spouse that much was accomplished.

Although the text is a bit dry at times, it is a lovely book and I give it a solid four stars overall.

I would like to thank Netgalley and White Lion for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for a fair review.