Mary Somerville - Brilliant polymath, scientific genius triumphed against the odds

On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences is a book by Mary Somerville, first published in 1834. It explores the interdisciplinary nature of scientific fields such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, and geology. Somerville elucidates the underlying mathematical principles connecting these disciplines, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. The book emphasizes the unity of the natural world and highlights the importance of a holistic approach to scientific inquiry. It was widely read and praised for its clarity and comprehensiveness, contributing significantly to the popularization of science in the 19th century.

Mécanique Céleste is a comprehensive treatise on celestial mechanics by Pierre-Simon Laplace. Published in five volumes from 1799 to 1825, it presents a detailed mathematical analysis of the motions of celestial bodies, including planets, moons, and comets. The work builds upon Isaac Newton's Principia Mathematica, extending and refining Newton's laws of motion and gravitation to explain the stability of the solar system. Laplace's treatise introduced new mathematical techniques and concepts, such as potential theory and the Laplace transform, which became essential tools in physics and engineering. It solidified the understanding of gravitational interactions and laid the groundwork for modern astrophysics and space exploration.

Isaac Newton's 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica' is a seminal work that established the principles of classical mechanics and the law of universal gravitation. Published in 1687, it revolutionized the understanding of motion and forces, providing a comprehensive framework for both terrestrial and celestial mechanics. The book is divided into three sections, covering the laws of motion, resisted motions, and the system of the world, including gravitational forces and planetary orbits.

Published in 1869, 'The Subjection of Women' is an essay by John Stuart Mill that argues against the social and legal inequalities faced by women. Mill contends that the inferior status of women is not based on natural differences but rather on social customs and historical power dynamics. He compares the status of women to that of slaves, highlighting the lack of legal rights, including property ownership and suffrage. Mill advocates for women's education, employment opportunities, and the reform of marriage laws to achieve greater equality. The essay, influenced significantly by his wife Harriet Taylor Mill, was a groundbreaking call for gender equality and had a significant impact on the women's rights movement despite facing criticism and controversy at the time of its publication.

Max Bennett's 'The Evolution of Intelligence' explores the development of intelligence across various species, including humans. The book traces the origins and progression of cognitive abilities, offering insights into how different forms of intelligence emerged. Bennett provides an overview of the key milestones in the history of intelligence. 'The Evolution of Intelligence' integrates findings from neuroscience, evolutionary biology, and other related fields, presenting a comprehensive account of the factors that have shaped intelligence. Overall, the book seeks to offer a deeper understanding of what intelligence is, and how it came to be. The book is interesting for a lot of different reasons