Kevles, Bettyann

A history of medical imaging, covering the full scope of the field from the development of X-rays in the early twentieth century to MRI-assisted surgery, and discussing the consequences of the technology for medicine and society.

Draws on interviews and extensive research to document the struggles and triumphs of women astronauts. Discusses their motivation, initial rejection, and contributions to space exploration. Profiles dozen of women including Valentina Tereshkova, Sally Ride, Christa McAuliffe, Kalpana Chawla, and Lauren Clark.

Discusses studies of gorillas in zoos, laboratories, and in the wild and explains what has been learned about the mental abilities of these intelligent apes.

Describes the field work of three female primatologists and what their studies have revealed about the behavioral patterns of chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans in their natural habitat.

Examines the history of women in space, drawing from interviews with women from the United States, Russia, and other countries who have participated in space programs to discuss the struggles they faced in trying to become astronauts, and looking at the laws and attitudes that had to change to allow women in the male-dominated field.