Personal Recollections, from Early Life to Old Age, of Mary Somerville

Shells, flowers and the stars occupy Mary Somerville's early memories, before her growing interest in mathematics meets resistance from those around her. Her daughter Martha gathers these recollections with selected correspondence, connecting scientific work to family duties, friendships and daily habits. The opening describes the limited education available to women and distinguishes the people who discouraged her studies from those who helped her pursue them.

In the Paris passages, Somerville continues writing despite poor health and sends proof sheets through the Embassy. She also recalls a sculptor making her portrait medallion, visits to parliamentary debates with her daughters, and excursions outside the city. The memoir places the practical demands of scientific authorship beside observations of society and family life. Readers interested in women's education or the history of science can follow a personal account of how learning was sustained through obstacles, encouragement and exchanges with other thinkers.