Wang Zhenyi (jan 1, 1768 – jan 1, 1797)

Description:

Wang Zhenyi (1768-1797), Astronomer, Poet, and Mathematician

Life:
Wang was born during the Qing dynasty whereby a strict feudal system meant that education was only available for the wealthy, and women were expected to mind more home-centric responsibilities. Fortunately, she was born into a family of scholars with male family members that taught her astronomy and math. Her extensive travels gave her perspective and she felt inspired to write poetry decrying the injustice.

Contributions to Science:
She understood that the Earth was round and using a model with mirrors, lamps, and a globe, she demonstrated how eclipses occur with the moon blocking (solar) or earth blocking (lunar) the sun. She also expanded on the Chinese calendar system by measuring the stars to further explain the solar system. She was a dedicated mathematician and worked through many complex theories. At 24yo, she published a 5-volume guide on the principles of calculation in hopes of making mathematics easier for beginners. In her poetry she frequently spoke of the laboring women and left 13 volumes of poetry, prose, preface, and postscripts.

Fun facts:
There is a crater on Venus named after her!

Death:
Wang only lived until she was 29yo. There are no documented records on her death but she ensured her work would be safe with a friend who in turn handed it to a nephew, a famous scholar of his time. He compiled her later work and helped finalize the publication of Simple Principles of Calculation.

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