Born: 1780 (Jedburgh, Scotland)
Died: 1872 (Naples, Italy)
Biography:
Mary Somerville (1780-1872) was a Scottish scientist, writer, and polymath who made significant contributions to mathematics and astronomy. She was born on December 26, 1780, in Jedburgh, Scotland, to Vice-Admiral Sir William George Fairfax and Margaret Charters. Despite growing up in genteel poverty, Somerville’s curiosity and intellect were nurtured by her mother, who taught her to read the Bible and Calvinist catechisms.
Somerville’s childhood home was in Burntisland, Fife, where she would spend her days immersed in nature, observing the birds and flowers in the garden. Her father recognized the importance of education and, upon his return from sea, sent her to an expensive boarding school in Musselburgh. It was there that she learned the foundational skills of writing, rudimentary French, and English.
Her thirst for knowledge and passion for learning led Somerville to pursue higher education, which was unusual for women at the time. She continued her studies at the University of Edinburgh, where she deepened her understanding of mathematics, physics, and astronomy. However, due to societal restrictions against women in academia, she was not officially enrolled as a student.
Somerville’s breakthrough came when she encountered a copy of Pierre-Simon Laplace’s Traité de Mécanique Céleste. This monumental work sparked her interest in celestial mechanics and set her on a path to become a prominent mathematician and astronomer. With determination and perseverance, she mastered advanced mathematical concepts and applied them to astronomical observations and calculations.
In 1812, she married her first cousin, Captain Samuel Greig, and together they had two daughters. Her husband’s naval career took them to various locations, providing Somerville with opportunities to study and explore scientific institutions. She expanded her network and corresponded with leading scientists of her time, including renowned astronomers and mathematicians.
Somerville’s breakthrough work, The Mechanism of the Heavens, published in 1831, established her as a respected scholar in the scientific community. The book synthesized Laplace’s theories and introduced them to a wider audience. It provided a clear explanation of the mathematical principles underlying the motion of celestial bodies, making it accessible to both scientists and the general public.
Her second book, On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences, published in 1834, further solidified her reputation as an influential scientific thinker. This groundbreaking work explored the connections between different scientific disciplines, bridging the gaps between physics, chemistry, and astronomy. It was in a review of this book that the term scientist was coined by William Whewell, marking a significant milestone in the history of scientific terminology.
Somerville’s achievements did not go unnoticed. In 1835, she and Caroline Herschel were elected as the first female Honorary Members of the Royal Astronomical Society, a monumental recognition of their contributions to the field. This honor marked a turning point for women in science and laid the groundwork for future generations of female scientists.
Beyond her scientific contributions, Somerville was also a trailblazer for women’s rights and played an active role in advocating for their empowerment. When John Stuart Mill organized a petition to Parliament for women’s suffrage, he made sure that Somerville’s signature was the first. Her influential voice and reputation helped to legitimize the demand for gender equality.
Mary Somerville passed away on November 29, 1872, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire generations of scientists and women around the world. Her contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and the advancement of women’s rights earned her the title of the queen of science in the obituary published by The Morning Post. Today, her legacy is honored by Somerville College at the University of Oxford, which bears her name and embodies the values of liberalism and academic achievement.
Awards:
– Elected as an Honorary Member of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1835.