Evan Griffith

Ever wonder who invented the aquarium? Why a woman, of course!

Jeanne Villepreux was born in the French countryside in September 1794. She married James Power in 1812 when she was 18, and the couple moved to Sicily in Italy. It is at this point that the author begins Jeanne’s story.

Jeanne was searching for something with which to occupy her time, and decided to become a naturalist. She taught herself, and walked all over Sicily, taking notes on the animals and plants she found. She wanted to study life in the Mediterranean Sea too, so she came up with the idea for a tank made up of clear glass and filled with salt water. She couldn’t find one, but that didn't stop her; she designed one herself, using her skills as a former dressmaker to good effect. She also fashioned wooden cages that could be anchored in shallow water. To fill them, she persuaded local fisherman to save her interesting sea creatures that they pulled in along with their catch.

She began studying these finds, with her favorite being the paper nautilus, a small octopus that lives inside a thin white shell. Scientists had been arguing for a long time over how the paper nautilus got its shell. Now, with her invention of the aquarium, Jeanne was able to solve the mystery. She made other discoveries as well, impressing local scientists who invited her to become the first female member of the science academy in Sicily.

She and her husband moved to England, arriving safely. But their belongings, including her research work, were sent separately, in a boat that sank. She started over. She also had to fight for recognition for her work, so she spoke out and wrote to scientific authorities in order to claim what was rightfully hers.

Jeanne Villepreux-Power died in 1871, at the age of 76.

Back matter includes detailed information on Jeanne’s life and legacy; more about the paper nautilus, her favorite sea creature; a discussion of marine biology generally; a note on the author’s research; and a guide to further sources.

Illustrations by Joanie Stone reflect her background in animation.

Evaluation: This STEM book for ages 6 and up shows yet another female pioneer in the sciences who had to overcome a great many obstacles to succeed, but who, using ingenuity and courage, became a trailblazer.… (mehr)