George Washington Carver is perhaps the most well-known African American scientist, but he is far from the whole story. Essential contributions from African Americans have led to a wide range of innovations, including the light bulb, refrigeration and air conditioning, nuclear reactors, and open-heart surgery.
This comprehensive reference work sheds new light on an aspect of African American life that is often overlooked. More than a summary of individuals and accomplishments, African Americans in Science: An Encyclopedia of People and Progress explores the entire experience of African Americans seeking a place in the scientific community -- not just the triumphs but the frustrations, discriminations, and the efforts to support (and sometimes impede) African American scientists.
African Americans in Science offers alphabetically organized entries in three areas: the contributions of African Americans in over 30 different fields of science and medicine; schools and organizations that played a role in the development of African American scientists; and additional topics related to African American scientists. No other reference offers such a complete and up-to-date portrait of the pivotal work of African Americans across the spectrum of scientific research and what it took to achieve it.