Scientists, collectors and illustrators: the roles of women in the Palaeontographical Society

Journal article

Women have taken on a range of roles in scientific societies since the early twentieth century. The oldest society dedicated to palaeontology, the Palaeontographical Society, was established in 1847 principally for the publication of monographs on British fossils. Since its foundation women have been involved, initially as collectors and illustrators, then authors, and latterly as elected members of council. Early contributors include well-known female scientists such as Gertrude Lilian Elles (1872-1960) and Ethel Mary Reader Wood (1871-1946), to the enigmatic ‘Miss Pike’. Although there have been female monograph authors and council members since 1901, their number has not risen significantly since the early twentieth century. The increased female presence on the Society's Council since 2009 is promising, but to date there have been only three female vice-presidents and no female presidents in almost 175 years. Although things have undoubtedly improved since its founding, the Palaeontographical Society-like similar geosciences societies-still has some distance to travel to reach gender parity. This paper contributes to that process by recognising the many talented women who have played formative roles in the development, and continued success, of this organisation.

Authors: Panciroli, E; Jackson, PNW; Crowther, PR

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Geological Society of London
• Journal: Geological Society Special Publications
• Volume: 506
• Pages: 97-116
• Publication date: 2020-09-25
• Acceptance date: 2020-06-01
• DOI: 10.1144/sp506-2020-98
• EISSN: 2041-4927
• ISSN: 0305-8719
• Language: English
• Keywords: FFR