Describes impact of Mount Holyoke Seminary, later Mount Holyoke College, on training of women scientists in late 1800s and early 1900s. Describes origins and development of Mount Holyoke and its emphasis on science education for women. Concludes that large number of female role models on faculty was one reason for the college's success in…

Mary Lyon was the founder of Mount Holyoke College and a pioneer in science education. She was an early proponent of the laboratory method of teaching, disseminating it throughout nineteenth-century schools. Lyon established a distinguished chemistry faculty and founded an excellent department which has trained many women chemists. (SM)

Lydia Shattuck was responsible for the excellence in science instruction at Mount Holyoke Seminary. Shattuck graduated in 1851 and remained there as a faculty member, specializing in chemistry and botany. One of the first women to join scientific societies, she helped enlarge the sphere of women engaged in scientific research. (SM)