Mistress of Science

It is hard to imagine a more male-dominated field in the nineteenth century than that of sea navigation; this was the high-point of the British Empire and sea navigation drove it. Yet in the midst of this domain Janet Taylor emerged as a young woman confident of her ability to match the best male minds in the business. Janet was one of the most remarkable scientists of the nineteenth century, and yet until now her story has never been told. A gifted mathematician, astronomer, author and instrument maker, Janet also possessed extraordinary skills as a teacher of navigation and business woman.

The fifth of eight children, Janet was born in Wolsingham, County Durham, in 1804. By the age of nine her outstanding intellectual abilities were already apparent and she was awarded a special scholarship by Queen Charlotte. At fourteen she left school, but continued to educate herself in languages, science and mathematics. In so doing, she overcame her humble beginnings and became one of the most prominent figures in the nautical world. The only women in over 200 years to patent a nautical instrument, her incredible journey led her to extraordinary heights and earned her the respect and admiration of those at the highest level in their field. She excelled and maintained a position of leadership in her chosen profession for over thirty years, as well as raising a family of eight children and three step-children. An incredible woman far ahead of her time, this is the story of Janet Taylor's modest beginnings and her incredible rise to prominence.