No Such Thing As A Fish 569: No Such Thing As Jousting Parrotfish
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Feb 6, 2025 Dive into a colorful discussion about the surprising history of L. Frank Baum and the empowering roles of women in The Wizard of Oz. Explore the jaw-dropping connection between Gila monster venom and modern weight-loss drugs. Learn about the unsung heroes of golf—caddies—and their unique bond with players. Experience the hilarity of parrotfish anatomy and medieval jousting while uncovering their ecological significance. This lively conversation blends humor, science, and surprising facts.
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Baum's Inspiration
- L. Frank Baum, author of The Wizard of Oz, based Glinda the Good Witch on his mother-in-law, Matilda Gage.
- Gage was a prominent women's rights leader and witch expert, inspiring Baum's writing and the cyclone idea.
The Matilda Effect
- Matilda Gage's work on unrecognized women inventors led to the term "The Matilda Effect".
- Ironically, the "Matthew Effect" for male scientists getting undue credit was coined by Robert Merton, whose wife's work he utilized.
Reverse Matilda Effect
- A Polish study revealed a "reverse Matilda effect".
- Schoolchildren shown inventions by women lost interest in the subject, regardless of invention coolness.