In 1856, Eunice Newton Foote conducted a groundbreaking experiment: she placed two glass cylinders—one filled with carbon dioxide and the other with ordinary air—in sunlight. She observed that the CO₂-filled cylinder warmed more and cooled more slowly than the other—an astonishing early insight into the greenhouse effect, which was largely forgotten until historians rediscovered it in the 21st century.
This article uncovers Eunice Foote’s remarkable scientific breakthrough, the subsequent erasure of her from scientific history, and the eventual rediscovery and celebration of her legacy.
The Curious Mind that Sparked a Discovery
Early Life in Connecticut
Eunice Newton was born on July 17, 1819, in Goshen, Connecticut—a rural setting that belied her future impact on science.
Her family relocated to western New York by 1820, placing her in a community alive with social reform movements, including abolitionists, women’s rights advocates, and progressive thinkers.
Her family relocated to western New York by 1820, placing her in a community alive with social reform movements, including abolitionists, women’s rights advocates, and progressive thinkers.
Between 1836 and 1838, Eunice was educated at the Troy Female Seminary, founded by Emma Willard. This pioneering institution offered young women advanced academic instruction—ranging from mathematics and languages to botany and natural philosophy. Students were even encouraged to attend science lectures and laboratories at the adjacent Rensselaer School, taught by Amos Eaton, a leader in practical scientific education.
Eunice’s commitment to knowledge was part of a broader vision of equality. In 1848, she attended the Seneca Falls Convention for women’s rights—becoming a signatory of the Declaration of Sentiments and one of five women entrusted to prepare its proceedings for publication.
The 1856 Experiment: Greenhouse Effect Unveiled
Eunice Newton Foote conducted her pivotal 1856 experiment using basic yet effective equipment: two glass cylinders, thermometers, and an air pump. These tools enabled her to observe and measure the heat retention properties of various gases under sunlight.
Key Findings:
- Moist Air and Hydrogen Impact Heat:
Foote’s experiments demonstrated that moist air and hydrogen exhibited different heat retention characteristics, with moist air retaining more heat than dry air. - CO₂ Heats to ~125°F and Cools Slowly:
She observed that carbon dioxide-filled cylinders reached temperatures around 125°F and cooled more slowly than those containing other gases, indicating their potential to trap heat. - Her Conclusion:
Foote concluded that “An atmosphere of that gas would give to our Earth a high temperature,” suggesting that increased levels of CO₂ could lead to global warming—a concept she articulated decades before it became widely recognized.
Silenced at the Summit
1856 AAAS Presentation:
At the 1856 meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Albany, New York, Foote’s paper titled “Circumstances Affecting the Heat of the Sun’s Rays” was presented by Joseph Henry, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, rather than by Foote herself. This decision likely stemmed from the prevailing gender norms of the time that limited women’s visibility in scientific forums.
At the 1856 meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Albany, New York, Foote’s paper titled “Circumstances Affecting the Heat of the Sun’s Rays” was presented by Joseph Henry, the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, rather than by Foote herself. This decision likely stemmed from the prevailing gender norms of the time that limited women’s visibility in scientific forums.
Although Foote’s work was acknowledged as “done by a lady,” it was quickly overshadowed and largely forgotten, reflecting the institutional biases that marginalized women’s contributions to science.
Eunice Newton Foote’s pioneering work in 1856 laid the groundwork for our understanding of the greenhouse effect and its implications for global warming. Despite the challenges she faced due to gender biases, her legacy as a trailblazer in climate science endures.
The Shadow of Tyndall
John Tyndall, a British physicist, conducted experiments that demonstrated the absorption and re-emission of infrared radiation by gases like CO₂ and water vapor. His work, published between 1859 and 1861, earned him recognition as a founder of climate science. However, his contributions were built upon the earlier, yet overlooked, findings of Eunice Newton Foote.
Why Foote Was Forgotten:
Several factors contributed to Foote’s obscurity in scientific history:
Several factors contributed to Foote’s obscurity in scientific history:
- Lack of Access: Foote’s paper was presented by Joseph Henry, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, at the 1856 AAAS meeting, limiting her direct involvement and visibility.
- Skepticism Toward Amateur and Women Scientists: As an amateur scientist and a woman, Foote faced significant barriers in gaining recognition in a male-dominated scientific community.
- Limited Technical Scope: Her experiments, while groundbreaking, were simple and lacked the complex instrumentation that later studies employed, possibly leading to an underestimation of their significance.
Rediscovery & Recognition
In 2011, Raymond P. Sorenson, a retired petroleum geologist and amateur historian, rediscovered Foote’s 1856 paper in an 1857 volume of The Annual of Scientific Discovery. He recognized the significance of her work, which predated John Tyndall’s similar conclusions, and published his findings in the journal Search and Discovery.
Recent Honors:
- 2018 Symposium at UCSB:
The University of California, Santa Barbara, hosted a symposium titled “Science Knows No Gender: In Search of Eunice Foote,” highlighting her contributions to climate science and advocating for her recognition. - Short Film “Eunice”:
A short film titled Eunice, released in 2018, dramatizes Foote’s life and scientific achievements, bringing her story to a broader audience. - University Exhibits and Academic Acknowledgment:
Institutions like Kent State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, have developed exhibits and academic programs to honor Foote’s legacy, ensuring her rightful place in the history of climate science.
Eunice Newton Foote’s pioneering work in 1856 laid the foundation for our understanding of the greenhouse effect. Despite historical oversight, her contributions are now being acknowledged, ensuring her legacy endures in the annals of scientific history.
Historical Impact vs. Nuanced Critiques
Eunice Newton Foote’s 1856 experiment was groundbreaking in demonstrating that carbon dioxide (CO₂) traps heat, laying the experimental and conceptual foundation for understanding the greenhouse effect. Her work predated John Tyndall’s similar findings by three years, yet she remained largely unrecognized due to the societal norms of her time.
While Foote’s experiment showed that CO₂ absorbs heat, it did not capture the full infrared re-emission process—an aspect that Tyndall later elucidated. This limitation has led to debates about the depth of her scientific understanding and the extent to which her work can be considered a complete demonstration of the greenhouse effect.
Scholars continue to debate what constitutes a scientific “first” and how to balance historical context and technical precision. Foote’s case exemplifies how gender biases and limited access to scientific platforms can obscure significant contributions, prompting ongoing discussions about recognition and attribution in the scientific community.
Legacy & Moral
Foote’s story highlights how societal norms can suppress groundbreaking insight—but time and scholarship can restore the record. Her perseverance in conducting experiments and advocating for women’s rights, despite the challenges she faced, serves as a testament to resilience and determination.
Inspiration for Today:
- Recognizing Diverse Voices in Science: Foote’s overlooked contributions underscore the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the work of scientists from diverse backgrounds.
- Embracing Curiosity and Perseverance Amid Institutional Biases: Her journey encourages current and future scientists to pursue their curiosity and persist in their endeavors, even when faced with institutional biases.
- The Urgency of Climate Change Reaffirms the Relevance of Her Foundational Insights: As the world grapples with climate change, Foote’s early recognition of CO₂’s role in global warming underscores the long-standing nature of this issue and the importance of addressing it with urgency and commitment.
Eunice Newton Foote’s legacy continues to inspire and inform the scientific community, reminding us of the value of perseverance, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Conclusion
In a dimly lit attic, two glass cylinders and a weathered journal once lay forgotten. Today, they stand as enduring symbols of curiosity and overlooked brilliance—reminding us that even the most modest experiments can illuminate profound truths about our world.
Eunice Newton Foote’s 1856 discovery that carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere was a pioneering insight into what we now understand as the greenhouse effect. Her work, though overshadowed for over a century, has been rightfully reclaimed, placing her among the true trailblazers in climate science.
Let us honor her legacy by sharing her story, amplifying the voices of underrecognized pioneers, and fostering an inclusive scientific community where curiosity and perseverance are celebrated, regardless of gender or background.
