Comparison of Maria Winkelmann and Laura Bassi
Aaron Zaro
2/25/14
Professor Malczanek
Women in Science
Comparison of Maria Winkelmann and Laura Bassi
Although women have made great contributions in science, only a few were credited for their work. Many of these women faced a wide variety of challenges that inhibited their contributions to the science community. Others were unable to attain positions they were interested in, as women were often strongly criticized in the academic fields. Although criticism lessened in the 20th century, both the 17th and 18th centuries proved to be extremely difficult for women in science. For most women during this time, the only education they received was from private tutors if they were able to afford it. While this is a good way to begin an education, women were constantly discouraged from attending private universities. Both Maria Winkelmann and Laura Bassi were some of the first women in science to be acknowledged for their accomplishments in science and set foundations for future women to peruse an education in science. Although women constituted roughly 14% of Germany’s astronomers, only a few such as Maria Winkelmann directed and published their own work. Because most women were not regarded as legitimate scientists during the early 16th century, the apprentice system was one of the only ways for women to train in sciences such as astronomy. Maria was born in 1670 at Panitzch and was the daughter of a Lutheran minister. She was well off and was educated privately by her father and after his death, her uncle. Maria Winkelmann was very proficient in the arts and sciences from an early age, and she was especially interested in astronomy. She received even more special training in astronomy from Christoph Arnold who lived in the neighboring town. Maria Winkelmann achieved her nobility after marrying Gottfried Kirch, a prominent German astronomer, and used its benefits towards her advantage. In 1710, Maria Winkelmann petitioned the Academy of
2/25/14
Professor Malczanek
Women in Science
Comparison of Maria Winkelmann and Laura Bassi
Although women have made great contributions in science, only a few were credited for their work. Many of these women faced a wide variety of challenges that inhibited their contributions to the science community. Others were unable to attain positions they were interested in, as women were often strongly criticized in the academic fields. Although criticism lessened in the 20th century, both the 17th and 18th centuries proved to be extremely difficult for women in science. For most women during this time, the only education they received was from private tutors if they were able to afford it. While this is a good way to begin an education, women were constantly discouraged from attending private universities. Both Maria Winkelmann and Laura Bassi were some of the first women in science to be acknowledged for their accomplishments in science and set foundations for future women to peruse an education in science. Although women constituted roughly 14% of Germany’s astronomers, only a few such as Maria Winkelmann directed and published their own work. Because most women were not regarded as legitimate scientists during the early 16th century, the apprentice system was one of the only ways for women to train in sciences such as astronomy. Maria was born in 1670 at Panitzch and was the daughter of a Lutheran minister. She was well off and was educated privately by her father and after his death, her uncle. Maria Winkelmann was very proficient in the arts and sciences from an early age, and she was especially interested in astronomy. She received even more special training in astronomy from Christoph Arnold who lived in the neighboring town. Maria Winkelmann achieved her nobility after marrying Gottfried Kirch, a prominent German astronomer, and used its benefits towards her advantage. In 1710, Maria Winkelmann petitioned the Academy of