Women Who Made Science History

By: Leila McNeill, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Leila McNeill

Length: 2 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Laura Bassi was once called a “monster”. And she was. She was a monster of intellect. In 1732, she became the first female doctor of philosophy at the University of Bologna. Her doctoral degree defense was a highly public event, attended by foreigners, clergy, professors, nobility, and onlookers—yet she was still forbidden from teaching at the university and was deliberately excluded from a prestigious group of academics within the Institute for Science.

It’s not news that women have been denied the same educational and institutional opportunities, resources, and access as men, and that science’s history is often told through the stories of great men, with a few great women making an appearance here and there. But that approach misses the big picture. The history of science isn’t complete without women.

Leila McNeill, an author, editor, and historian of women and gender in science, introduces us to 10 lesser-known women who have, in their own unique ways, shaped the world in which we all live. As you hear about their lives and stories, you’ll discover a more complete picture of science—what science is, how it is done, and who gets to participate. You’ll see that women in science are not anomalies. They aren’t separate from the flow of time and onward march of history. Women, in their own innovative ways, have always played a part in shaping science and, in turn, our world and our understanding of our place in it.

©2023 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2023 Audible Originals, LLC

Short but Worthwhile

There are a lot of books like this one that attempt to humanize science by giving summaries of the contributions of individual scientists. What makes this one stand out is its focus on a handful of the thousands of women scientists who quietly advanced the field while their male peers took all the credit. McNeill does an excellent job of not only giving some well-deserved attention to these figures, but in describing the prejudices that handicapped them in the performance of their jobs. It’s a short read, but worthwhile.

Enlightening and informative!

While listening to the fascinating and wonderful narratives on the scientific contributions of these women, some of whom I had not heard of, I realize the importance of acknowledging and recognizing their achievements. It makes me realize that there are many more untold stories about other women whose histories have the ability to inspire young girls and other young women everywhere.

above and beyond great!

So interesting and amazing. I'm so grateful that I picked up this story of 10 amazing women. Everyone should know if these women, these people who have affected our lives today

Not bad. Soulless narration

Story is ok. Presentation is severely lacking. Good way to cure insomnia without meds.

Really interesting!

I am most struck by being reminded of the barriers women, and women of color, faced in scientific workplaces. I would guess there are many more stories out there and I would love to hear them!

enjoyed

great summaries of women I did not know enough about. glad I made time.

Women Changing History

It’s inspiring to hear about the women that made great strife in science, and are finally getting recognized for it. I was surprised, however to hear that Rosalyn Carter was missed.

Great stories

Very good presentation of women who had to fight to be seen and heard, and whose accomplishments go largely unnoticed within the scientific community and the public at large.

not a "great course" per se but worth it

i enjoyed this. it was not a great course as i understand them--she isn't a professor who has earned a reputation as both a scholar and an educator--so it was more like a long article. nonetheless i hadn't heard of any of these fabulous women who we all should have known about, and for that i am grateful. wish there has been more included.

Awful.

The majority of this book is to constantly add in how, man bad, even listening to 2x speed the first half an hour almost was entirely blaming males for lack of light on women.
Then this entire tone is carried in through the book instead of sticking to the main facts.
I'm not sure the author understands that men are also constantly passed over for other less qualified males and likewise women are also passed over by less qualified females for positions as well.