Question

Please compare the experiences of Maria Winkelmann and Laura Bassi as women in science in their respective times. Analyze the similarities and differences of their experience.

Answer 1

Maria Winkelmann: She was a star of German astronomy who discovered a comet. She also contributed in Berlin academy of science as a major center of astronomy with the help of her husband and son.

Maria was not only one of the best known astronomers of her age but was also the first woman to find a comet. She did observations on Aurora Borealis, a pamphlet on the conjunction of Sun with Saturn and Venus. Despite her great achievements, she could come to the front line as the other candidates had degrees.

Laura Bassi: Her case was quite different from Maria Winkelmann. She was the only woman in eighteenth century, and the conditions allowed her to become a part of scientific activities. She completed her education privately, being a daughter of a lawyer. She received her degree from the university of Bolgna and she was given a permanent role in academic city where she was a lecturer. At that time, she was the first woman to gain a teaching position in university.

She worked on the problem(s) of gravity and later on also did work on hydraulics. Along with her husband, she worked on experimental electricity.

On the other hand, Maria Winkelmann faced many challenges for her credit. But Maria Winkelmann's work made the foundation for future scientists like Laura Bassi. Maria Winkelmann could not get recognition which Laura Bassi easily had get recognition for her work.

Bassi's career had a profound influence on Italian science.