This is a remarkable book that should receive more attention than it will probably get. It is a very valuable contribution to the growing literature on the history of science as well as women's history. It should be good reading for historians and women professionals in a variety of fields as well as to men in science as they interact with female associates., The theme of 'genderization of science' inevitably runs through the book but this is NOT a feminist sob story. It is a realistic analysis of the different roles women have played as scientific research in various fields advanced. It was written by an historian with a real talent for in-depth research, analysis, organization and a clear, interesting writing style. I found the book fascinating and very readable.
The author defines three eras during the period from 1880 to the end of the 20th century and chose several women in each era to illustrate her points. While these eras were not distinct and blended with each other, and while there were a few exceptional female scientists along the way who did not fit the mold she describes, the general descriptions of these eras seem well defined to this reviewer (who was a participant in the middle era, from 1941-1962 and beyond.)
What is most fascinating is the way in which she traces woman's roles in domestic life and child bearing and rearing from the time when it was a limiting factor in her participation in scientific research to the point where those very biological and cultural roles contribute valuable new insights, possibly even new paradigms, to many scientific fields. Many of her new insights are challenging and important. I wish she would return, analyze and report on the situation 25 years from now. Times are changing!