a) Sybilla Masters

Sybilla Masters was the first woman to request a patent from the U.S. Patent Office in 1790, though she was denied due to her gender. Her invention, related to a new method of processing corn, was innovative for its time. The denial of her patent application reflects the gender biases of the era, limiting women’s participation in the public and economic spheres. Masters’ case underscores the challenges faced by women inventors and entrepreneurs in early American history and highlights the need for equitable recognition of contributions regardless of gender.