Eunice Foote

Eunice Newton Foote (July 17, 1819 – September 30, 1888) was an amateur scientist, suffragette, and inventor. Foote’s research involved testing gasses to see if they trapped heat, one of which was “carbonic acid” or CO2. 21st century revelations from the archival record demonstrate that her research, long unrecognized, was the earliest to demonstrate the effect of greenhouse gases. Foote found that her experimental apparatus containing CO2  and water vapor became hotter than regular air, retaining heat longer in the shade. While an 1856 Scientific American article acknowledges Foote’s existence, reviewers lent more weight to her gender than to her work: “…the experiments of Mrs. Foot afford abundant evidence of the ability of woman to investigate any subject with originality and precision”. This exhibit highlights Foote’s research and exceptional life, from signing the Declaration of Sentiments at the Seneca Falls Woman’s Convention, to having two patents filed in her own name.  
Curated by Ayden Schirmacher, Reinhart Intern at Duke Marine Lab Library and Jodi Psoter, Librarian for Climate & Sustainability and Marine Science & Conservation  
Quote found in Scientific Ladies. --Experiments with Condensed Gases." 1856. Scientific American (1845-1908), Sep 13, 5.