In Our Time Dorothy Hodgkin
Oct 3, 2019
Georgina Ferry, a science writer and biographer of Dorothy Hodgkin, discusses the groundbreaking achievements of Hodgkin, the sole British woman to win a Nobel Prize in science. They delve into her innovative work in X-ray crystallography, including the structures of insulin and penicillin. The conversation highlights Hodgkin's impact on scientific collaboration and her advocacy for nuclear disarmament. Ferry also addresses the historical challenges women faced in science and Hodgkin's inspiring role in overcoming gender biases.
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Early Chemistry Exploration
- Dorothy Hodgkin's interest in chemistry began with a chemistry set and informal lessons.
- She even had a lab in her attic and experimented with chemicals, reflecting a different era of safety standards.
Influence of Mosaics
- Dorothy Hodgkin's father fostered her interest in mosaics and patterns.
- This early influence is believed to have contributed to her later success in crystallography, which involves pattern recognition.
Early Passion for Crystals
- At a young age, Hodgkin's passion for chemistry began with growing copper sulphate crystals.
- She faced and overcame obstacles in pursuing chemistry, including gender-based subject assignments.