In math, calculus is a branch that studies how things change, using concepts like derivatives and integrals. In medicine, 'calculus' can also mean a hard stone-like deposit that forms in the body, like kidney stones.
From Latin 'calculus' meaning 'small stone,' used for counting or gaming. In the 17th century, mathematicians like Newton and Leibniz used 'calculus' to name their new method for systematically computing changes and areas. The medical sense also comes from the 'stone' meaning.
It’s striking that the same root word gives us high-level math and kidney stones. Mathematical calculus is about slicing changes into tiny pieces and adding them up—like counting with very fine pebbles. Once you know it means 'little stone,' the connection to 'calcium' and 'calcify' suddenly feels obvious.
Access to advanced mathematics, including calculus, was historically restricted to men in many educational systems, with women often barred from universities or advanced courses. Even when women mastered calculus and contributed to mathematical fields, their work was frequently marginalized or attributed to male colleagues.
Treat calculus as equally accessible to all genders, and avoid examples or narratives that implicitly cast mathematicians or engineers as male by default.
When teaching or describing the history of calculus and its applications, include women mathematicians and scientists whose work relied on or advanced calculus.
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