Buried History: Women’s Struggle to Revolutionize

Stolen Innovation

It is a bleak goal to strive under persistent oppression. It is difficult to do much under that unflinching strain, and nearly impossible to revolutionize. It is an even bleaker phenomenon to push through that barrier, create something celebrated, and have the credit stolen from you. This is the reality of several women throughout history. While many truths have been uncovered over time, it is impossible to tell which inventions women have had taken from them. It is due time they were given credit for the impacts their inventions had on today’s society.

The Double Helix - Rosalind Franklin

Though James D. Watson and Francis Crick are widely credited to have discovered the double helix formation, a discovery that would later shape our knowledge and understanding of DNA, that discovery would not have been possible without the research of Rosalind Franklin. It was Franklin’s research image that was unknowingly shown to Watson and Crick by a colleague that founded the men’s research on DNA. They published their research, only giving passing mention to Franklin. They later won a Nobel prize for her discovery. Sadly, she was not alive to see the truth unveiled and passed away of ovarian cancer in 1958.

Computer Programming - Ada Lovelace

This thievery of innovation dates back to 1843. In that year, Ada Lovelace, the mathematically gifted daughter of Lord Byron, contributed to Charles Babbage’s research on Analytical Engine. The Analytical Engine was an early computer prototype. It was Lovelace’s idea that the machine could be fed data and implemented into solving mathematical problems or even playing complex music. This is one of the earliest recorded ideas of computer programming. She was only much later given credit for her extensive notes, which Babbage used to promote his machine.

Nuclear Fission - Lise Meitner

The splitting of atoms was a joint work between Lise Meitner and Otto Hahn. They joined forces in 1938 to further evaluate the concept of nuclear fission, a discovery that would later lead to the atomic bomb. Meitner was Jewish by birth. When she was forced to flee from her hometown to evade the Nazis, Hahn took the opportunity to take sole credit for her work. He erased her name from the research paper and was the sole recipient of the 1944 Nobel Chemistry Prize. He fought her involvement in the discovery whenever it was discussed.

Radio Guidance System - Hedy Lamarr

It is widely believed that only specific trades may contribute to the advancement of society. American actress Hedy Lamarr is a direct example of the falsity of that statement. She collaborated with composer George Antheil to create the radio guidance system for the allies during WW2. The navy feigned disinterest in the idea when it was presented to them, but later stole, patented, and integrated it into many new weapon systems. This discovery played a major part in Wifi, Bluetooth and many modern technologies.

Neuroscience Findings - Candace Pert

The discovery that allows opiates to attach to the brain was made by Candace Pert. This discovery was so influential it was granted an award, though she was not the one receiving it. Dr. Solomon Snyder, her professor, was credited for her achievement. When Pert objected, Snyder’s simple and insensitive response was “That’s how the game is played.”

Windshield Wipers - Mary Anderson

Mary Anderson got a patent for windshield wipers in 1902 when she noticed the low visibility during inclement weather. Unfortunately, she had no connections in the industry and companies claimed to be uninterested. Later, however, windshield wipers started appearing on every new car model. While she was later credited in the Inventors Hall of Fame, she never received compensation for the stolen invention.

First Moon Landing's Path - Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson was well known for her exceptional math skills. Her input paved the way for the first moon landing. However, as an African American woman at NASA working during a harrowing time of civil injustice, her accomplishments would often be unnoticed or belittled. Her story was later told through the 2016 Oscar-winning film "Hidden Figures."

Monopoly - Elizabeth Magie

Charles Darrow became the first board game millionaire thanks to Monopoly. It is no wonder he was so eager to steal the idea, having it granted him millions. Thirty years earlier, Elizabeth Magie created “The Landlord’s Game.” This game had an almost identical concept to Monopoly except it was a narration of the evil of corporations and business monopolies. When Darrow pitched the idea to the Parker Brothers, they bought her patent immediately. She ended up with a total of only $500 and her name was forgotten over time.

History’s Shadow

It is not an exaggeration to say that these women, along with many others, were essential in the advancement of society. What we know of the world can be accredited to many of the brave women who were forced into history's shadow. We must acknowledge their contribution and the injustice that occurred. There is no gender to innovation, only an idea and the drive to see it through.