TWENTIETH-CENTURY WOMEN SCIENTISTS

In the Global Profiles series, a collection of inspiring, sometimes bittersweet accounts of the careers of women who overcame formidable obstacles to make scientific breakthroughs in their respective fields. Readers learn about the resistance—from families and society—these scientists faced in pursuing higher education. Each chapter is a variation on the theme of gender discrimination; the spirit of the book, however, is not one of frustration or anger, but in celebration of those who prevailed. Yount (Louis Pasteur, 1994, not reviewed, etc.) puts the contributions of these women in a cultural perspective, emphasizing the way female scientists often look at nature—``in terms of whole systems made up of many interacting parts''—as opposed to what Barbara McClintock referred to as the ``nature in pieces'' view of scientific problems more common to male scientists. Fun to read, with accessible explanations of the science involved, this is a well-written, essential volume. (b&w photos, index, not seen, chronologies, annotated bibliographies) (Biography. 10+)