Women in the Biological Sciences: A Biobibliographic Sourcebook

(Hardback)

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Description

Biology textbooks and books on the history of science generally give a limited picture of the roles women have played in the growth and development of the biological sciences, mentioning primarily the Nobel laureates. This book provides a definitive archival collection of essays on a larger group of women, profiling both their work and their lives. The volume includes 65 representative women from different countries and eras, and from as many branches of biological investigation as possible. In addition to biographical information and an evaluation of the woman's career and significance, each entry provides a full bibliographic listing of works by and about the subject. The volume includes entries on women who have gained recognition through attainment of advanced degrees despite familial and societal pressures, innovative research results, influence exerted in teaching and guidance of students, active participation and leadership in professional societies, extensive scholarly publication, participation on journal editorial boards, extensive field experience, and influence on public and political scientific policymaking. A woman was considered eligible for inclusion if she met several of these criteria. Providing a historical perspective, the book is limited to women who were born before 1930 or are deceased.

Reviews

.,."[P]rovides a significant contribution to the emerging literature recovering and revealing the substantial roles of women scientists in the growth and development of the biological sciences....The varied writing styles of the authors, as well as the fascinating work and lives of the scientists themselves, turns what might be a boring reference source into a good read."-American Journal of Human Biology
...[P]rovides a significant contribution to the emerging literature recovering and revealing the substantial roles of women scientists in the growth and development of the biological sciences....The varied writing styles of the authors, as well as the fascinating work and lives of the scientists themselves, turns what might be a boring reference source into a good read.-American Journal of Human Biology
Eminently readable....Exceptional....-TAXON
Recommended for large science libraries as well as for libraries supporting women's studies programs.-Science & Technology Libraries
The book is an essential reference for any library serving students, teachers, amateurs, and professionals in the sciences, medicine, history of science, and women's studies--and an invitation to browsing. I found it impossible to ration myself to one of these essays at a time; I hope there will be other volumes to follow.-The Quarterly Review of Biology
The foreword indicates a hope that this account of the journeys of remarkable women will both instruct and inspire. Women's contributions in biological sciences are detailed here in deph and in accessible language.... academic libraries with programs in biological sciences and women's studies will find this title and the previous ones in the series very appropriate.-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
The length and depth of the aticles allows the authors to include details that shorter biographies would not have accommodated.-Rettig on Reference
The very readable biobibliographies collected here provide detailed information concerning 65 women biologists, whose specializations cover a wide variety of subdisciplines. The work joins Grinstein's Women in Mathematics and Women in Chemistry and Physics as premier sources, providing a wealth of excellent material about women in these fields. Articles consist of three parts: 'Life, ' 'Work, ' and a bibliography that includes works both by and about the scientist. Interesting and well-written biographies include many frank accounts of the obstacles the women encountered. The 'Work' sections describe research in detail but are easy to understand. Many of the living biographees were interviewed, resulting in a number of interesting quotes, a nice touch.... Recommended for all libraries.-Choice
Eminently readable....Exceptional....TAXON
..."Provides a significant contribution to the emerging literature recovering and revealing the substantial roles of women scientists in the growth and development of the biological sciences....The varied writing styles of the authors, as well as the fascinating work and lives of the scientists themselves, turns what might be a boring reference source into a good read."-American Journal of Human Biology
..."[P]rovides a significant contribution to the emerging literature recovering and revealing the substantial roles of women scientists in the growth and development of the biological sciences....The varied writing styles of the authors, as well as the fascinating work and lives of the scientists themselves, turns what might be a boring reference source into a good read."-American Journal of Human Biology
"Eminently readable....Exceptional...."-TAXON
"Recommended for large science libraries as well as for libraries supporting women's studies programs."-Science & Technology Libraries
"The book is an essential reference for any library serving students, teachers, amateurs, and professionals in the sciences, medicine, history of science, and women's studies--and an invitation to browsing. I found it impossible to ration myself to one of these essays at a time; I hope there will be other volumes to follow."-The Quarterly Review of Biology
"The foreword indicates a hope that this account of the journeys of remarkable women will both instruct and inspire. Women's contributions in biological sciences are detailed here in deph and in accessible language.... academic libraries with programs in biological sciences and women's studies will find this title and the previous ones in the series very appropriate."-Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin
"The length and depth of the aticles allows the authors to include details that shorter biographies would not have accommodated."-Rettig on Reference
"The very readable biobibliographies collected here provide detailed information concerning 65 women biologists, whose specializations cover a wide variety of subdisciplines. The work joins Grinstein's Women in Mathematics and Women in Chemistry and Physics as premier sources, providing a wealth of excellent material about women in these fields. Articles consist of three parts: 'Life, ' 'Work, ' and a bibliography that includes works both by and about the scientist. Interesting and well-written biographies include many frank accounts of the obstacles the women encountered. The 'Work' sections describe research in detail but are easy to understand. Many of the living biographees were interviewed, resulting in a number of interesting quotes, a nice touch.... Recommended for all libraries."-Choice

Author Bio

LOUISE S. GRINSTEIN is Professor Emerita of Mathematics and Computer Science at Kingsborough Community College of CUNY. She is also the coeditor of Women in Chemistry and Physics: A Biobibliographic Sourcebook (Greenwood, 1993) and Women in Mathematics: A Biobibliographic Sourcebook (Greenwood, 1987). CAROL A. BIERMANN is Professor of Biological Sciences at Kingsborough Community College of CUNY. She is the author of numerous articles and papers. ROSE K. ROSE is Professor of Physical Sciences at Kingsborough Community College of CUNY. She is the author of several articles and books, and coeditor (with Louise S. Grinstein) of Women in Chemistry and Physics (Greenwood, 1993).