American Women Scientists : 23 Inspiring Biographies, 1900-2000

For most of the 20th century, American women had little encouragement to become scientists.

In 1906, there were only 75 female scientists employed by academic institutions in the entire country.

Despite considerable barriers, determined women have, however, decidedly distinguished themselves.

Three examples of this are: astronomer Annie Jump Cannon, who discovered five novas and over 300 variable stars; mathematician and computer scientist Grace Hopper, who helped to invent the COBOL language; and anaesthesiologist Virginia Apgar who devised the universally used Apgar score to make a rapid evaluation of a newborn's condition just after delivery.

Of the 23 women scientists covered in this volume, six were awarded Nobel prizes.

Each biography is accompanied by a photograph.