>In fact, there was a Greek woman (whose name escapes
>me for the moment) who was an astounding mathematician. One
>day she was pulled off of her chariot by a rioting mob and
>killed her with clam shells- just because she was a
>mathematician.

The woman's name was Hypatia (370-415). She's a legend as a mathematician, although none of your works was ever found.

Just for the sake of truth, she was indeed skinned by the mob, but not because of being a mathematician. This was the time of the propagation of Christendom. The tensions ran high between the rivaling sects. She just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.