DWC 100 Women: Jeanne Villepreux-Power, Aquariums

Imagine the courage, curiosity, and determination it takes to be the first to capture the vibrant, hidden life of the sea and bring it into our homes and minds. This is the story of Jeanne Villepreux-Power. 

Jeanne was born in 1794 in the quaint village of Juillac in France, a time when the role of women in science was often diminished or overlooked. Yet, from an early age, Jeanne displayed an extraordinary thirst for knowledge, a passion for discovery that would not be stifled by the expectations of her era. She dreamed of exploring the natural world, of understanding the intricate dances of life that played out beyond the reach of human hands.

Her journey began not as a scientist, but as a seamstress, a profession that required meticulous attention to detail—a skill she would later apply to her scientific observations. In 1818, Jeanne married James Power, an English merchant, and moved to Sicily, where she found herself surrounded by the dazzling beauty of the Mediterranean Sea. 

In an age where women were seldom recognised in scientific circles, Jeanne faced numerous challenges. She lacked formal education in the sciences and was often met with scepticism from the male-dominated academic community. But these obstacles did not deter her. Instead, they fueled her determination to prove that the mysteries of the ocean could be unravelled by anyone with enough passion and dedication.

Jeanne’s most significant breakthrough came in 1832 when she invented the world’s first aquarium, a revolutionary creation that allowed her to study marine organisms in their natural environment, yet within the confines of her own laboratory. The aquarium was not just a glass box filled with water—it was a window into an unknown world.

With her invention, Jeanne conducted groundbreaking studies on the paper nautilus, a species of octopus whose reproductive behaviours were a source of great mystery. Through her observations, she debunked the prevailing myth that the nautilus constructed its shell from external materials. Instead, she demonstrated that the creature secreted its shell naturally, a discovery that won her international acclaim.

But Jeanne’s work was not confined to the laboratory. She was an environmental activist before the term even existed, advocating for the protection of marine environments long before it became a global cause. Her writings and studies emphasized the importance of preserving the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, a message that resonates even more powerfully in today’s world of climate change and environmental degradation.

Despite her many achievements, Jeanne’s contributions were often overshadowed by her male counterparts, and her name was nearly lost to history. But like the oceans she so loved, her legacy has a way of resurfacing, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that arise when one dares to explore the unknown.

Jeanne Villepreux-Power’s life is a tribute to the spirit of discovery, that innovation often comes from unexpected places, and that the power to change the world lies within each of us, waiting to be unleashed by our passion and determination.

Today, as we gaze into the shimmering waters of an aquarium, we are not just looking at fish and coral; we are looking at the legacy of a woman who dared to ask questions that no one else thought to ask. A woman who brought the ocean to us, and in doing so, showed us the vast depths of human potential.