Somerville, Mary, 1780-1872

Mary Somerville (born Mary Fairfax) was born to William George and Margaret Fairfax on December 26, 1780 in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, Scotland. Mary became interested in mathematics while a teenager. She married Samuel Greig in 1804. Greig was a naval officer and died after 3 years of marriage. Mary then married William Somerville in 1812, who was an inspector of hospitals.

Mary Somerville's first major work was a translation of the mathematician Laplace's book Mécanique Céleste. In the translation, she also included detailed explanations of the advanced mathematics used by Laplace. One of her most famous books, Physical Geography, was published in 1848 and used in schools and universities for many years. Somerville accumulated many awards and honors during her lifetime and her works influenced some of the most celebrated scientific minds of her day.

Somerville was a strong supporter of women's suffrage and women's education. She was the first to sign the petition sent to parliament to give women the right to vote and Somerville College in Oxford, England, was named after her in 1879 because of her support of women's education.

Mary Somerville died November 29, 1872 in Naples, Italy.