Notes

Women had very little formal training, but were excited to explore the Scientific Revolution. Women made applications from their knowledge of botany, horticulture, and chemistry. Anna of Saxony discovered medical uses of plants. Maria Sibylla Merian learned about how to draw plants and insects, and completed six collections of engravings of plants and insects at her death. Her study of caterpillars were particularly unique. Furthermore, mathematics, astronomy, and universal studies appealed to the women, and many wrote books to share their skill. They faced criticism as engaging in this learning and discovery was considered unfeminine. In the case of Emilie du Chatelet, her father and mother complained of her studies, and her friend convinced her to formalize them. It was mainly privileged women that participated in these movements who became scientists, scholars, and naturalists, yet remained in conflict with the traditional societal worldview.