Two women in ancient China defied societal restrictions to make notable contributions to medicine, astronomy, and mathematics. Zhang Xiugu, around 1500 years ago, is believed to have advanced pathological anatomy.

In ancient China, women were largely denied formal education and confined to the roles of dutiful wives and mothers. Against this restrictive social order, two women pushed beyond the limits and left notable marks on medicine, astronomy and mathematics. About 1,500 years ago, during the Southern dynasties, Zhang Xiugu is believed to have made an early contribution to pathological anatomy in China. According to The History of the Southern Dynasties, Zhang lived in what is now Anhui province in...