Chasing Caterpillars

Maria Sybilla Merian (1647-1717) lived in a culture where women were supposed to marry, keep house, and raise children. Period. It was also a time filled with superstitions. One of those superstitions involved caterpillars, which were thought to be the work of the Devil. Her curiosity about these insects was looked upon with suspicion. So how, then, did her persistent involvement with caterpillars make such an impact on the world of science? How did her artistic talent and keen observation skills affect the method of scientific research used? How did she break through the superstitions surrounding caterpillars to become acceptedas the leading authority on their transformations? This is her story.