Reviews Quantum Physics The unsung women of quantum physics get their due A new book celebrates the women in a field once called Knabenphysik, or “boys’ physics” Physicists Laura Chalk (left) and Jane Dewey (right) performed some of the first experimental tests of quantum mechanics. Women’s contributions to the field have often gone unrecognized. From left: Marilyn MacGregor; Samuel Goudsmit, courtesy AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives, Goudsmit Collection By Emily Conover 1 hour ago Women in the History of Quantum PhysicsEdited by Patrick Charbonneau, Michelle Frank, Margriet van der Heijden and Daniela MonaldiCambridge Univ., $49.99 In the 1920s, when quantum mechanics was young, physicists Jane Dewey and Laura Chalk performed some of the first experimental tests of the theory, based on a phenomenon called the Stark effect. Later, famed quantum physicist Werner Heisenberg gushed over the beauty of a Stark effect measurement by a male colleague, Canadian physicist John Stuart Foster. In doing so, Heisenberg neglected the contributions of both women. Sign up for our newsletter We summarize the week's scientific breakthroughs every Thursday.