Two notable female scientists of the 17th century who made significant advances include Maria Sibylla Merian and Margaret Cavendish. Merian, a German naturalist, revolutionized the field of entomology by studying life cycles of insects and pioneering scientific illustration. Her work influenced the Scientific Revolution by challenging traditional beliefs and bringing attention to the importance of observation and empirical evidence. Similarly, English scientist Margaret Cavendish made significant contributions to philosophy, natural sciences, and science fiction. Her writings on the nature of matter and experimental philosophy contributed to the discourse of the Scientific Revolution, highlighting the importance of questioning and exploring the natural world.
