In History: Sophie Germain
Germain, born April 1, 1776, was a mathematician who often worked under a pseudonym because she was concerned her work wouldn’t be taken seriously if people knew she was a woman. One of the pioneers of elasticity theory, she won the grand prize from the Paris Academy of Sciences for her essay on the subject. Her work on Fermat’s Last Theorem provided a foundation for mathematicians exploring the subject for hundreds of years after.
Totally badass. Also, this made me feel smart because i know what Fermat’s Last Theorem Is, and i could probably even write it out if i tried to. But only because of The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest. (on that topic, the accident that befell lisbeth still makes me worried she may suffer lingering brain damage and not be able to continue her mathematical pursuits. yeah. i’m ridiculous)
(via queerandpresentdanger)