When we think of women in science, names like Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Ada Lovelace often come to mind. While their contributions were groundbreaking, they represent only a fraction of the women who have shaped our understanding of the world. History books often focus on male scientists, giving the impression that women played little to no role in scientific progress until the modern era. However, this couldn't be further from the truth.

Women in Science: A Hidden Legacy

Women have been involved in scientific inquiry for centuries, often in ways that were not officially recorded or recognized by institutions. Leila McNeill and Anna Reser, historians of science, emphasize that while formal institutions rarely documented women's contributions, they were actively engaged in scientific work in various ways.

One of the main reasons why only a few women like Curie and Franklin stand out in historical records is because they managed to break into institutions that traditionally excluded them. These institutions kept detailed records, making their achievements more visible. However, countless other women contributed to science outside of formal institutions, often within their communities and homes.

Women in Medicine: Healers and Midwives

Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in medicine, particularly as healers and midwives. Before medicine became a professionalized field dominated by men, women practiced healing as an essential part of community life.

From ancient times through the Middle Ages, midwives and female healers provided medical care to their families and communities. It wasn't until the 19th century, when medicine became institutionalized, that women were pushed out of these roles. Once medical education moved into universities and hospitals, women found it increasingly difficult to participate, leading to the erasure of their historical contributions.

Was There Ever a Time Women Weren't Involved in Science?

The short answer is no. Women have always been involved in the pursuit of scientific knowledge. The key issue is how we define science. If we only consider science as something that happens in formal institutions, then women's contributions may seem limited. However, if we broaden our definition to include the pursuit of knowledge about nature, then we see that women have been involved in science for as long as men.

Historically, women engaged in scientific inquiry within domestic spaces—studying plants, formulating medicines, and passing down knowledge through generations. Many women turned their medical expertise into professions, selling herbal remedies or working as traveling healers. Midwifery, in particular, was a respected profession in many societies, long before modern obstetrics existed.

Midwifery vs. Physicians: A Gender Divide

In the ancient world, the distinction between midwives and physicians was not as clear-cut as it is today. While formal medical education and licensing were not widespread, women naturally gravitated toward caring for other women. Midwives played an essential role in childbirth and women's health, areas that male physicians often ignored or misunderstood.

In Ancient Rome, midwifery was a respected profession. Archaeological evidence, such as relief carvings, depicts midwives at work, using specialized tools and birthing chairs. Texts from the Hippocratic Corpus mention midwives as trained professionals, and Greek physician Soranus even wrote about the qualities of an ideal midwife, suggesting they should be literate and well-versed in medical theory.

Women in Astronomy: The Silent Contributors

Astronomy is another field where women have made significant contributions, though often in the shadows of their male relatives. Many women who worked in astronomy did so because of their connections to male family members who had access to observatories and funding.

Caroline Herschel, for instance, became an astronomer because of her brother, William Herschel. Initially brought to England to be his housekeeper, she was eventually enlisted as his assistant. Since telescopes and observatories were expensive, women had little opportunity to conduct independent research. Instead, they worked alongside male family members who controlled the resources.

Many male scientists likely had wives, sisters, or daughters who contributed to their work without receiving credit. Since it was expected that women would assist while men published the results, history has largely overlooked their contributions.

Women in Science Outside of Europe

Women's contributions to science were not limited to Europe. In Ancient China, women were active in medical practice, though most records of their work come from writings by men. Some historical texts warn against "wily" female medical practitioners, suggesting that these women were significant enough to be acknowledged—even if in a negative light.

These women, often referred to as "medical grannies," provided herbal remedies and treatments. While male authors sometimes framed them as tricksters, the fact that they were written about at all suggests they played a significant role in public health.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, women from Japan, India, and Indigenous communities attended institutions like the Woman’s Medical College of Pennsylvania. Many of them specialized in gynecology and obstetrics, fields in which men had traditionally failed to provide adequate care. Their work not only advanced medical knowledge but also ensured that women’s health remained a priority.

Lessons from History: Recognizing Women’s Contributions

The history of women in science teaches us several important lessons:

• Science is not limited to formal institutions. Much of scientific progress happens outside universities and research labs.
• Women's work has often been undervalued or ignored. Many women contributed significantly to scientific advancements without receiving credit.
• Access to resources shapes scientific participation. Women historically had fewer opportunities due to financial and institutional barriers.
• We need to redefine what counts as science. Knowledge passed down through generations, medical practices outside of hospitals, and contributions made within households all deserve recognition.

Practical Advice: Encouraging Women in Science Today

Understanding the historical challenges women faced in science can help us create a more inclusive future. Here are some practical steps to support women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) today:

• Support STEM education for girls. Encourage young girls to pursue science through mentorship programs, scholarships, and role models.
• Acknowledge hidden contributions. When studying historical scientific achievements, look for the women who played supporting roles.
• Advocate for institutional changes. Push for policies that promote gender equality in research funding, hiring, and leadership positions.
• Celebrate diverse voices in science. Highlight contributions from women of different cultural backgrounds and disciplines.

Conclusion: A More Complete History

The idea that women were absent from science is a misconception rooted in historical bias. Women have always pursued knowledge about the natural world, whether through formal institutions, community medicine, or family traditions. By acknowledging and celebrating their contributions, we can build a more accurate and inclusive history of science—one that inspires future generations of women to pursue their passions without barriers.