This paper presents the situation of women scientists in the United States in the fields of physics and astronomy. It gives a brief picture of the situation since the beginning of the 18th century and up to the start of this century. During the past 77 years, the percentage of participation of women in the two fields has fluctuated with a sharp increase in the last few years. The paper reveals that the rate of unemployment for women scientists in 1975 was four times higher than that for men, and that their salaries were consistently lower. However, recent increased percentages of physics doctorates awarded to women and the reversal on acceptable reasons for discriminating against women, coupled with changes in the societal views of appropriate roles for women, will make it easier for women to take themselves seriously as competitive scientists. The paper includes seven tables and five graphs to compare and explain data. (GA)