Women in the History of Quantum Physics

Capturing the stories of sixteen women who made significant contributions to the development of quantum physics, this anthology highlights how, from the very beginning, women played a notable role in shaping one of the most fascinating and profound scientific fields of our time. Rigorously researched and written by historians, scientists, and philosophers of science, the findings in this interdisciplinary book transform traditional physics historiography. Entirely new sources are included alongside established sources that are examined from a fresh perspective. These concise biographies serve as a valuable counterweight to the prevailing narrative of male genius, and demonstrate that in the history of quantum physics, women of all backgrounds have been essential contributors all along. Accessible and engaging, this book is relevant for a wide audience including historians, scientists and science educators, gender theorists and sociologists.

• Challenges existing stereotypes associated with quantum physics, namely that physicists are men, and that scientific genius is a masculine trait
• Offers insight into the reasons for the invisibility of women in the history of science, examining the complex forces which sustain the heroic myth of fundamental science as the creation of solitary male prodigies
• Uses a broad definition of quantum physics to include old quantum theory and associated philosophical conundrums to highlight the richness and diversity of scientific discovery of the last century