Mary Somerville: Scottish Polymath & RAS Honorary Member

Google Doodle: Mary Somerville and Caroline Herschel

The Google Doodle for 2 February 2020 celebrated Mary Somerville, the Scottish polymath and science writer, and Caroline Herschel, jointly the first women to be made honorary members of the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS).

Early life and education

Born in Jedburgh, Scotland, in 1780, Somerville received little formal education compared with her brothers. Largely self-taught from an early age, she pursued academic study and became accomplished in several fields, including astronomy, mathematics, geography and chemistry.

The Mechanism of the Heavens

Somerville became widely known after publishing The Mechanism of the Heavens, a translation and expansion of Pierre Laplace’s work. Her version became a standard textbook for undergraduates at Cambridge; she presented a copy to the Royal Astronomical Society in 1835.

Astronomy and Neptune

Somerville had a lifelong love of astronomy. Based on irregularities in the orbit of Uranus, she was among a group of scientists who predicted an eighth planet. Neptune was discovered in 1846.

Her honorary membership of the RAS in 1835 recognized these achievements; for another 80 years honorary membership remained the only route through which women could join the Society.

Advocacy and legacy

Alongside her scientific work, Somerville campaigned against inequality for women. She signed John Stuart Mill’s petition for female suffrage in 1868. The Royal Bank of Scotland later recognised her contributions by featuring her on a £10 note in 2017.

Somerville died in Naples in 1872.

References

• Massey, R. (Royal Astronomical Society).

Figure 1: Mary Somerville.