Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Women in Science # 3 : Maria Sibylla Merian

The practice of science has (almost) always been the domain of the patriarchy, the purview of carriers of the xy chromosome. There have been instances in history, however, when women have overcome nearly insurmountable obstacles to achieve immortality in the annals of science. Immortality in the annals, yes, not in the minds of people though. This series is an attempt to remind us of these extraordinary individuals, and perhaps (hopefully) inspire.

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Maria Sibylla Merian (2 April 1647 - 13 January 1717) 

Swiss naturalist and illustrator. Known for her contributions to the field of entomology, especially her careful observation and documentation of the metamorphosis of the butterfly.

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