Pinpointing the very first female scientist is challenging due to historical record-keeping biases. Many women's contributions to science went unrecognized or undocumented for centuries. However, several candidates stand out depending on the definition of "scientist" and the time period considered.
Prominent Early Female Figures in Science
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Hypatia of Alexandria (370-415 CE): Considered by some sources as the first female scientist for whom substantial documentation exists. She was a prominent philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician. Hypatia's Hidden Heritage details her significant contributions.
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Louise Bourgeois Boursier (1609): A French midwife who authored the first book on childbirth practices. This shows early scientific contributions in the field of medicine. Timeline of women in science - Wikipedia
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Ada Lovelace (1815–1852): Often credited as the first computer programmer for her work on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine. Her algorithm is considered foundational to scientific computing. The Untold History of Women in Science and Technology
Later Notable Female Scientists
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Marie Curie (1867–1934): A groundbreaking figure, Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize (Physics, 1903) and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). Her work on radioactivity was revolutionary. Celebrating Pioneering Women In Science, 5 Women Who Changed History in Nuclear Science
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Edith Von Kuster (Hired 1908): Johnson & Johnson's first female scientist, highlighting the significant barriers women faced in entering scientific fields even in the early 20th century. Meet the first female scientist Johnson & Johnson ever hired
Defining "Scientist"
The term "scientist" is a relatively modern one. Early contributions to fields like astronomy, mathematics, and medicine were often made by individuals who didn't necessarily identify as "scientists" in the contemporary sense. The lack of formal recognition for women in science further complicates determining the "first."
