Every aspiring chemist has heard of Boyle’s law—the equation that relates the pressure of a gas to its volume. But even if you know about Robert Boyle himself, it’s not likely you’ve heard of his sister, even though she probably talked him through many of his ideas.

Katherine Jones, Lady Ranelagh (1615–1691), had a lifelong influence on her famous younger brother, natural philosopher Robert Boyle. In her lifetime she was recognized by many for her scientific knowledge, but her story was almost lost to time.

This episode is a collaboration with Poncie Rutsch, the creator and host of Babes of Science. Poncie interviewed CHF’s own Michelle DiMeo, a historian who’s writing a book about Lady Ranelagh. Babes of Science is a podcast that tries to answer two questions: Who are the women who changed the trajectory of science? And why has it taken us so long to recognize their work?

Credits

Hosts: Michal Meyer and Bob KenworthyReporter and producer: Poncie Rutsch Senior Producer: Mariel Carr Producer: Rigoberto Hernandez

Music

Our theme music was composed by Zach Young.

Additional music courtesy of the Free Music Archive:

Day Into Night by Rho

Daydream Shelshock by Wolf Asylum

Am I The Devil by YEYEY

History Explains Itself by The Losers

Like Swimming by Broke For Free

Insatiable Toad by Blue Dot Sessions

One And by Broke For Free

Modulation of the Spirit by Little Glass Men

Melt by Broke For Free

Eleanor by The Losers

I Am A Man Who Will Fight For Your Honor by Chris Zabriskie

Tidal Wave by YEYEY

The Almost Forgotten Story of Katherine Jones, Lady Ranelagh