Meaning: This quote is from Ellen Richards, an influential figure in the field of environmental science and one of the first women to attend and graduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The quote reflects the challenges faced by women in higher education during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the context of the prevailing attitudes towards women's physical and mental capabilities.

In the late 1800s, higher education for women was a contentious issue. Many believed that rigorous academic study and the pursuit of a college degree would be detrimental to women's health and well-being. This was rooted in the widely-held belief that women were inherently fragile and delicate, and that intellectual pursuits were incompatible with their physical and emotional stability. The prevailing societal norms and expectations dictated that women's primary roles were as wives and mothers, with limited opportunities for intellectual and professional development.

Ellen Richards' quote captures the resistance and skepticism that women faced as they sought access to higher education. The sentiment expressed in the quote reflects the patronizing attitude that women were not capable of handling the demands of academic study, and that their participation in higher education could potentially tarnish the reputation of the institutions they attended.

Richards' own experiences at MIT and her subsequent career as a prominent figure in the fields of chemistry, environmental science, and public health underscore the fallacy of such beliefs. She not only excelled in her studies but also went on to make significant contributions to the scientific community, challenging the prevailing gender norms and expectations of her time.

The quote also sheds light on the institutional barriers that women faced in accessing higher education. Even when women were admitted to colleges and universities, they often encountered resistance from administrators and faculty who held reservations about their ability to handle the academic workload. The quote suggests that women were not allowed to study as much as they desired, as there was a fear that they would "break down," thus implying a lack of confidence in their resilience and capacity for scholarly pursuits.

Despite these challenges, women like Ellen Richards persevered and paved the way for future generations of women to pursue higher education and professional careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Their determination and achievements helped to debunk the myth that women were inherently unsuited for intellectual and academic endeavors.

In contemporary times, the quote serves as a reminder of the struggles that women have overcome to gain equal access to education and to challenge societal perceptions of their abilities. It also highlights the ongoing importance of promoting gender equality in all areas of academic and professional life.

In conclusion, Ellen Richards' quote encapsulates the historical barriers that women faced in accessing higher education and the prevailing attitudes towards women's intellectual and physical capabilities. Her own experiences and accomplishments stand as a testament to the resilience and determination of women who have fought for equality and recognition in the academic and scientific realms. This quote serves as a poignant reminder of the progress that has been made in expanding educational opportunities for women, while also underscoring the ongoing need to address persistent gender biases and stereotypes in academia and beyond.