Amongst the accomplished society ladies of early 19th-century London, was one whose knowledge of mathematics made her stand out from the crowd. Mary Somerville made her name as an expert in advanced calculus and its applications to astronomy, before enjoying a successful career as a scientific author which spanned over four decades. As a woman, Somerville's access to scientific knowledge was through an extensive network of scientific acquaintances that she cultivated whilst living in Bloomsbury, Mayfair, and Chelsea. In this illustrated talk, Dr Brigitte Stenhouse, lecturer in History of Mathematics at the Open University, will explore how Somerville used her place in polite London society to build a career as a mathematician and scientific writer. 

Admission: Free to CHS members. Non-members welcome (£2 at the door).