The Woman for Whom 'Scientist' Was Coined

We are all familiar with the word scientist, which refers to someone who studies or has deep expertise in a natural or physical science. But this gender-neutral word for defining this profession only occurred in the 19th century because of one woman, Mary Sommerville.

In the past, scientists were often referred to as "men of science" because only men were involved in the field. However, Mary Somerville, born in 1780 in Scotland, broke free from the educational and societal limitations imposed on women during her time and became one of the most respected scientific minds of the 19th century. Her interest in science was sparked by a series of books she discovered in her family's library, which led her to study areas traditionally off-limits to women.

In 1834, Somerville wrote a book called "On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences" that impressed her peers, readers, and reviewers so much that the term "man of science" became inappropriate and outdated. A year later, in 1835, Somerville and astronomer Caroline Herschel became the first woman ever admitted into the Royal Astronomical Society, which led to the word "scientist" being coined by William Whewell.

According to Kathryn Neeley, Mary Somerville's biographer, when William Whewell coined the term "scientist," he intended it to be more than just a gender-neutral description. Whewell wanted a word that celebrated the unique abilities of the female mind to synthesize different fields into a single discipline. Mary Somerville's story inspires us to look past societal expectations and pursue our passions with diligence and courage. Somerville not only shaped scientific inquiry but also redefined the meaning of being a scientist, paving the way for future generations to follow in her footsteps.

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