Born As A Sexist Joke, Now A Symbol Of Genius

The term scientist originated as a joke. Its roots trace back to March 1834 when it first appeared in a review of Mary Somerville’s book, On the Connexion of the Physical Sciences. This pioneering work, one of the earliest examples of popular science literature, prompted a playful and sexist comment by the polymath William Whewell.

Mary Somerville: An Interdisciplinary Genius

Mary Somerville’s work stood out not just for its depth but also for its breadth. Her writings elegantly connected diverse fields like astronomy, physics, chemistry, and geography. Whewell, writing anonymously in the review, was so impressed that he described her book as “masterly.” His astonishment was however one because of societal biases of the time, as he believed that such exceptional work could come from a woman.

Inspired by Somerville’s interdisciplinary approach, Whewell whimsically coined the term scientist. Drawing a parallel with terms like artist and economist, he reasoned that those who study science deserved their own label.

From Jest to Recognition

Initially, the term scientist was met with mixed reactions. When Whewell formally proposed the word at a British Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in 1840, it was greeted with skepticism. Alternatives like “men of science” or “naturalists” were more commonly used. Even eminent figures like chemist Michael Faraday and mathematician Lord Kelvin dismissed the term as awkward or unnecessary.

Despite this resistance, the term gradually gained traction, particularly as science evolved into a professional discipline. By the early 20th century, scientist was widely accepted, reflecting the changing landscape of both science and society.

The Professionalization of Science

In the 19th century, science transitioned from being a hobby of the wealthy to a professional field. Previously, only the rich could afford scientific pursuits, as they required expensive equipment and leisure time. However, with the advent of government and privately funded laboratories, science became accessible as a career. This shift allowed individuals to earn a living as salaried scientists.

Not everyone embraced this change. Faraday and others lamented the loss of the “pure” pursuit of knowledge, untainted by monetary motives. Some viewed this professionalization as a challenge to the ideal of the “liberally educated” man, whose scientific endeavours were guided by intellectual curiosity and philanthropy.

Exploitation in the Name of Science

The rise of professional science also brought ethical concerns, particularly regarding the exploitation of workers. Chemist James Prescott Joule, for example, conducted experiments aimed at reducing reliance on skilled labor in his family’s brewery. By mechanising processes like brewing, Joule sought to lower wages and diminish the value of workers’ expertise, effectively contributing to their own economic decline.

Such practices highlighted the tension between the noble ideals of scientific inquiry and the realities of industrial exploitation. For many, the professionalisation of science seemed to prioritise profit over integrity, adding to the resistance against the term scientist.

A Legacy of Evolution

Despite its controversial beginnings, the word scientist now universally represents individuals dedicated to advancing human knowledge. The term scientist, born of humour and sexism, now stands as a testament to innovation and thinking.

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