Quick Facts
Biography
Alice Lee (1858–1939) was a British mathematician, one of the first women to graduate from London University. She worked with Karl Pearson from 1892, initially in Pearson's Biometric Laboratory.
Life
Lee studied at Bedford College from 1876 to 1884. In 1879–80 she attended the first mathematics class at Bedford and was one of the first women to graduate from London University, getting a BSc in 1884 and a BA in 1885. She then stayed at Bedford until 1916, initially as a lecturer in mathematics and physics. From 1892 to 1894 she also worked as 'resident helper' at the College, received free board and lodging in return. Later she also help out in Greek and Latin classes. Karl Pearson disapproved of this diversity of teaching activities.
The two first met in 1892 when Pearson attacked the academic standards of Bedford College in the Pall Mall Gazette. She replied in the College's defence.
Later she went to work for him in his laboratories, especially on craniometry.