“ She became a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 1850, and was made a fellow in 1874. She was the first woman elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She was prominent in the councils of the Association for the Advancement of Women, serving as president of that society in the convention in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1875. ”

“ She was the daughter of William Mitchell, the well-known astronomer, from whom she inherited her scientific tastes. In childhood she showed remarkable talent for mathematics and astronomy, and at an early age assisted her father in his investigations, while studying with him. ”