1. Education

Queen of 19th Century Science

Mary Somerville

Mary Somerville studied mathematics and science against first her father's wishes, and then her husband's.
Mary Somerville

Portrait of Mary Somerville

Getty Images / Archive Photos
One of her books inspired John Couch Adams to search for the planet Neptune, for which is he is credited as a co-discoverer. In 1833 Mary Somerville and Caroline Herschel were named honorary members of the Royal Astronomical Society, the first time women had won that recognition.

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