Women Deserve More Recognition

I was appalled when I discovered that, of the 100 California Nobel laureates listed in your excellent Nobel issue, only one was a woman (“Winner’s Circle,” by Debra J. Hotaling, Dec. 2). If extended as an average, that would suggest that only 1% of laureates are female. I noticed that this point was addressed, at least in part, by Michael T. Jarvis (“The Ones Who Got Away,” Dec. 2). Perhaps they should come up with a new prize, the Nobelle.

Celia Pearce

Venice

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Kudos on your issue devoted to the Nobel winners; it’s always inspiring to see scientists and thinkers praised. However, the comments about physicist Richard Feynman (“The Cult of Richard Feynman,” by J. Michael Kennedy, Dec. 2) and DNA chemist Kary B. Mullis (“Winner’s Circle,” by Terence Monmaney, Dec. 2) being womanizers sounded like compliments rather than possible signs of a pathetic predator. Would you find it equally endearing if they were proud racists? That such brilliant men can marginalize women is selfish and unfortunate. Your issue was a good reminder of why more women need to find their way into the scientific disciplines.

Dawna Kaufmann

Los Angeles