The Ascent of Mary Somerville in 19th Century Society (Springer Biographies)

This biography traces the life and work of Mary Fairfax Somerville, whose extraordinary mathematical talent only came to light through fortuitous circumstances. Barely taught to read and write as a child, all the science she learned and mastered was self taught. In this delightful narrative the author takes up the challenge of discovering how Somerville came to be one of the most outstanding British women scientists and, furthermore, a popular writer. Particular attention is paid to the gender aspects of Somerville's success in what was, to put it mildly, a predominantly male domain. Front Matter....Pages i-xvii A Peculiar Childhood....Pages 1-8 The Two Marriages....Pages 9-20 New Horizons in Paris....Pages 21-27 The Grand Tour to Italy....Pages 29-31 The Nomadic Life....Pages 33-39 Portrait of a Lady....Pages 41-45 Taking Part in the Unification of Italy....Pages 47-53 The Death of William Somerville....Pages 55-59 Garibaldi, The Hero She Never Met....Pages 61-63 Life in Naples....Pages 65-68 A Peaceful End....Pages 69-73 Conclusions....Pages 75-76 Mary Somerville, Science, and Women Rights....Pages 77-79 Back Matter....Pages 81-102