Sisters were doing it for themselves back in the 18th and 19th century, according to a new book launched last week by the Minister for Education and Science, Micheal Martin. The largelyforgotten lives and achievements of 15 women scientists are featured in Stars, Shells and Bluebells.
Any teacher who is enthusiastic about science, botany, astronomy and even aviation will welcome Martin's news that up to 800 free copies of the book will arrive shortly at second-level schools thanks to the Department.
The lives of the "doughty marine biologist" Maude Jane Delap (18661953) and the "shy biologist" Annie Massy (1867-1931) are told by Anne Byrne, careers and guidance correspondent of The Irish Times.
Mary Scanlon, a former teacher at Scoil Carmel in Limerick, writes about Sophie Peirce (1896-1936), aviator and athlete, who successfully campaigned to open the Olympic Games to women. Agnes Mary Clerke (1842-1907), who grew up in Skibbereen, learned about the planets through her father's telescope, writes Maire Bruck in another chapter. "Her History of Astronomy During the 19th Century is still indispensable," she says. The book is published by Women in Technology and Science (WITS) at £4.95. It will be in bookshops shortly, but is available by post from WITS, PO Box 3783, Dublin 4, for £4.95 plus £1.70 postage.
