Women in the History of Science brings together primary sources that highlight women’s involvement in scientific knowledge production around the world. Drawing on texts, images and objects, each primary source is accompanied by an explanatory text, questions to prompt discussion, and a bibliography to aid further research. Arranged by time period, covering 1200 BCE to the twenty-first century, and across 12 inclusive and far-reaching themes, this book is an invaluable companion to students and lecturers alike in exploring women’s history in the fields of science, technology, mathematics, and medicine.
While women are too often excluded from traditional narratives of the history of science, this book centres on the voices and experiences of women across a range of domains of knowledge. By questioning our understanding of what science is, where it happens, and who produces scientific knowledge, this reader is an aid to liberating the curriculum within schools and universities.
In this episode, Professor Joe Cain talks with the sourcebook’s FIVE co-editors. Each recently completed a PhD in UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies. We talk about the book, how readers might use it in teaching, what their favourite chapters are, and how they’re using their own skills to improve the subject of history for everyone.
Book information
Women in the History of Science: A sourcebook
Edited by Hannah Wills, Sadie Harrison, Erika Jones, Rebecca Martin, and Farrah Lawrence-Mackey
2023 UCL Press
ISBN 9781800084155
https://www.uclpress.co.uk/products/211143
Open Access PDF Free Download; Print also available.
Featuring
Interviewees
- Hannah Wills is R&D Producer at Royal Holloway, University of London.
https://royalholloway.academia.edu/HannahWills - Sadie Harrison is Honorary Research Associate at the Department of Science and Technology Studies, UCL and works in the environment sector.
- Erika Lynn Jones is Curator of Navigation and Oceanography at Royal Museums, Greenwich.
https://erika-jones.org - Farrah Lawrence-Mackey is re-training to practice law.
- Rebecca Martin has been Research Fellow in the Centre for History in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and Caird Research Fellow at National Maritime Museum, Royal Museums Greenwich.
https://dr-rebecca-martin.com
Each also is an Honorary Research Associate in UCL Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS).
Host
- Professor Joe Cain, UCL Professor of History and Philosophy of Biology
https://ucl.ac.uk/sts/cain
Music credits
- “Rollin At 5,” by Kevin McLeod
https://filmmusic.io/song/5000-rollin-at-5 -
“Silly Intro,” by Alexander Nakarada
https://filmmusic.io/song/4786-silly-intro
Podcast information
WeAreSTS is a production of the Department of Science and Technology Studies (STS) at University College London (UCL). To find out more, or to leave feedback about the show:
This site also includes information for how STS students and staff can get involved with our programme.
WeAreSTS producer is Professor Joe Cain.