What do you think?
Rate this book
A Devotion to Their Science: Pioneer Women of Radioactivity
Biographical essays on 23 women who worked in atomic science during the first two decades of the 20th century, including Marie Curie, Lise Meitner, Irène Joliot-Curie, and a host of lesser-known women scientists whose life stories have never been told before.
- GenresNonfiction
307 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1997
59 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Read
April 13, 2025Book Review: A Devotion to Their Science: Pioneer Women of Radioactivity by Marelene F. Rayner-Canham and Geoffrey W. Rayner-Canham
Introduction
In A Devotion to Their Science: Pioneer Women of Radioactivity, Marelene F. Rayner-Canham and Geoffrey W. Rayner-Canham present an illuminating account of the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women to the field of radioactivity. The authors delve into the lives and achievements of key female scientists who played pivotal roles in the discovery and advancement of radioactivity, highlighting their struggles and triumphs in a predominantly male-dominated scientific landscape. This work serves not only as a historical account but also as a celebration of the perseverance and dedication of these pioneering women.
Content Overview
The book is organized thematically, with each chapter focusing on a different scientist or group of scientists who contributed to the field of radioactivity. Notable figures such as Marie Curie, Lise Meitner, and Irène Joliot-Curie are featured prominently, alongside lesser-known yet equally impactful scientists. The authors meticulously detail the scientific contributions of these women, illustrating how their work laid the groundwork for significant advancements in nuclear physics and chemistry.
Rayner-Canham and Rayner-Canham contextualize the achievements of these women within the sociocultural and historical challenges they faced, including gender discrimination, limited access to education, and the struggle for professional recognition. The authors effectively document how these challenges shaped their careers and personal lives, offering insights into the broader implications of their contributions.
The narrative is enriched by personal anecdotes and historical details, making the scientific achievements relatable and engaging. The authors draw on a wealth of archival research, including letters, photographs, and scientific publications, to provide a comprehensive account of each woman’s life and work. This attention to detail not only honors these pioneers but also serves to inspire future generations of scientists.
Critical Analysis
One of the strengths of A Devotion to Their Science is its thorough examination of the interplay between gender and science. The Rayner-Canhams effectively argue that the contributions of women in radioactivity have been historically undervalued and underrepresented. By bringing these stories to light, the authors advocate for a more inclusive narrative in the history of science.
The writing is accessible and engaging, appealing to both specialists in the field and general readers interested in the contributions of women in science. The authors skillfully balance technical explanations of scientific concepts with personal stories, making complex ideas understandable without oversimplifying the science.
However, some readers may find that the focus on individual biographies sometimes comes at the expense of a more cohesive narrative about the evolution of radioactivity as a scientific field. While the personal stories are compelling, a stronger thematic connection between the chapters could enhance the overall flow of the book.
Conclusion
A Devotion to Their Science: Pioneer Women of Radioactivity* is a valuable and enlightening addition to the literature on women in science and the history of radioactivity. Marelene F. Rayner-Canham and Geoffrey W. Rayner-Canham have successfully highlighted the critical contributions of pioneering women, providing a nuanced understanding of their impact on the scientific community.
Recommendation
This book is highly recommended for students, educators, and anyone interested in the history of science and the role of women in STEM fields. It serves as an important reminder of the need for diversity in scientific narratives and the recognition of those whose contributions have shaped our understanding of radioactivity and its applications. By showcasing these remarkable women, the authors inspire readers to continue advocating for inclusion and acknowledgment in the scientific world.
Introduction
In A Devotion to Their Science: Pioneer Women of Radioactivity, Marelene F. Rayner-Canham and Geoffrey W. Rayner-Canham present an illuminating account of the significant yet often overlooked contributions of women to the field of radioactivity. The authors delve into the lives and achievements of key female scientists who played pivotal roles in the discovery and advancement of radioactivity, highlighting their struggles and triumphs in a predominantly male-dominated scientific landscape. This work serves not only as a historical account but also as a celebration of the perseverance and dedication of these pioneering women.
Content Overview
The book is organized thematically, with each chapter focusing on a different scientist or group of scientists who contributed to the field of radioactivity. Notable figures such as Marie Curie, Lise Meitner, and Irène Joliot-Curie are featured prominently, alongside lesser-known yet equally impactful scientists. The authors meticulously detail the scientific contributions of these women, illustrating how their work laid the groundwork for significant advancements in nuclear physics and chemistry.
Rayner-Canham and Rayner-Canham contextualize the achievements of these women within the sociocultural and historical challenges they faced, including gender discrimination, limited access to education, and the struggle for professional recognition. The authors effectively document how these challenges shaped their careers and personal lives, offering insights into the broader implications of their contributions.
The narrative is enriched by personal anecdotes and historical details, making the scientific achievements relatable and engaging. The authors draw on a wealth of archival research, including letters, photographs, and scientific publications, to provide a comprehensive account of each woman’s life and work. This attention to detail not only honors these pioneers but also serves to inspire future generations of scientists.
Critical Analysis
One of the strengths of A Devotion to Their Science is its thorough examination of the interplay between gender and science. The Rayner-Canhams effectively argue that the contributions of women in radioactivity have been historically undervalued and underrepresented. By bringing these stories to light, the authors advocate for a more inclusive narrative in the history of science.
The writing is accessible and engaging, appealing to both specialists in the field and general readers interested in the contributions of women in science. The authors skillfully balance technical explanations of scientific concepts with personal stories, making complex ideas understandable without oversimplifying the science.
However, some readers may find that the focus on individual biographies sometimes comes at the expense of a more cohesive narrative about the evolution of radioactivity as a scientific field. While the personal stories are compelling, a stronger thematic connection between the chapters could enhance the overall flow of the book.
Conclusion
A Devotion to Their Science: Pioneer Women of Radioactivity* is a valuable and enlightening addition to the literature on women in science and the history of radioactivity. Marelene F. Rayner-Canham and Geoffrey W. Rayner-Canham have successfully highlighted the critical contributions of pioneering women, providing a nuanced understanding of their impact on the scientific community.
Recommendation
This book is highly recommended for students, educators, and anyone interested in the history of science and the role of women in STEM fields. It serves as an important reminder of the need for diversity in scientific narratives and the recognition of those whose contributions have shaped our understanding of radioactivity and its applications. By showcasing these remarkable women, the authors inspire readers to continue advocating for inclusion and acknowledgment in the scientific world.
February 15, 2017
Otto Hahn is one of the biggest assholes in the field of physics. It is slowly becoming widely known how he stole Lise Meitner's research/ideas on fission--work for which he received a Nobel prize. Meitner and her nephew were not formally recognized for their work for a loooong time.
But, hey, related to the atomic fission research, Hahn also stifled the theories of Ida Tacke Noddack, a German physicist (another woman!), who summarized neatly the idea of fission years before Meitner. Noddack didn't speak English and wasn't connected to the burgeoning atomic physicist crowd. Hahn, who was so connected, by refusing to acknowledge her ideas, ensured they weren't exposed to the wider research populace.
Oh, and Hahn? Also instrumental in getting Meitner fired from her academic position after the anschluss. He sided with the people who didn't want to work with the "Jewess"--his friend and research partner for years.
The grit and determination of the women portrayed in this book is impressive, awe-inspiring. Many were never hired for official jobs (Germany, for example, had a law against married women being employed) and worked tirelessly for no pay while conducting their research. Many had to choose between family and career--many of these women never married. Some were lucky, like Marie and Irene Curie, who married men equally devoted to research. (Although even Marie Curie had a difficult time, as seen by the "sex scandal" that plagued her several years after her husband's death.)
Some had their research stolen--Meitner being the most prominent victim, but Marietta Blau also had research stolen as she escaped the horrors of the Nazis.
Some rose to prominence in their countries--in charge of academic departments, founders of research centres, leaders of Nazi resistance factions--only to be forgotten in their later years or after their death.
Reading this, I was struck by how in many ways, we haven't made a lot of progress.
But, hey, related to the atomic fission research, Hahn also stifled the theories of Ida Tacke Noddack, a German physicist (another woman!), who summarized neatly the idea of fission years before Meitner. Noddack didn't speak English and wasn't connected to the burgeoning atomic physicist crowd. Hahn, who was so connected, by refusing to acknowledge her ideas, ensured they weren't exposed to the wider research populace.
Oh, and Hahn? Also instrumental in getting Meitner fired from her academic position after the anschluss. He sided with the people who didn't want to work with the "Jewess"--his friend and research partner for years.
The grit and determination of the women portrayed in this book is impressive, awe-inspiring. Many were never hired for official jobs (Germany, for example, had a law against married women being employed) and worked tirelessly for no pay while conducting their research. Many had to choose between family and career--many of these women never married. Some were lucky, like Marie and Irene Curie, who married men equally devoted to research. (Although even Marie Curie had a difficult time, as seen by the "sex scandal" that plagued her several years after her husband's death.)
Some had their research stolen--Meitner being the most prominent victim, but Marietta Blau also had research stolen as she escaped the horrors of the Nazis.
Some rose to prominence in their countries--in charge of academic departments, founders of research centres, leaders of Nazi resistance factions--only to be forgotten in their later years or after their death.
Reading this, I was struck by how in many ways, we haven't made a lot of progress.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews