Margaret W. Rossiter History of Women in Science Prize: Arleen Tuchman

In "Situating Gender," Arleen Tuchman examines the Berlin-born physician Marie Zakrzewska's advocacy of the natural sciences, rejection of sentimentality in women, and distrust of the notion of female uniqueness. Zakrzewska (1829-1902), founder of the New England Hospital for Women and Children and Professor at the New England Female Medical College, was a leader among the first generation of American women physicians.  Tuchman effectively employs theoretical literature on the situatedness of gender to illuminate Zakrzewska’s rejection of feminine virtues as the grounds for women‚s entry into the professional sphere.  Meticulously researched and argued, Tuchman's portrayal of Zakrzewska's life as a strategic series of performances of gender is as enjoyable to read as it is persuasive.