Book reviews: Outrunning the dominant males

Women Physiologists, edited by Lynn Bindman, Alison Bruding and Tilli Tansey. Portland Press, 1993. £16.95. ISBN 1-85578-021-6. The Physiological Society originated as a scientific dining club in 1879 for men interested in animal physiology. It was not until 1915 that the first woman was elected as a member, and it is the 75th anniversary of this event that is marked by this book, which consists of brief biographies of 18 women physiologists whose scientific careers are outlined. As an introduction there is a short history of women and the Physiological Society. The next section is devoted to those - 8 out of the 18 - who received public recognition in the form of F.R.S. and/or D.B.E.: they are considered at greater length. All the biographies are written by women, themselves physiologists of high standing, who knew their subjects personally or through close associates. (The final section has details of each contributor.)