Final answer:
The author's purpose is to celebrate Florence Bascom's contributions to geology and her role in paving the way for future generations of female scientists, highlighting her perseverance and her efforts to mentor other women.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's purpose in discussing Florence Bascom in 'The Stone Lady' is to highlight the significant achievements and contributions of Bascom to the field of geology, despite the societal challenges she faced as a woman in science during her time. By chronicling the obstacles she overcame, such as having to sit behind a screen in the classroom and fighting for her students' fieldwork to be recognized, the author showcases Bascom's tenacity, dedication, and pioneering spirit.
Furthermore, the mention of Bascom's mentoring of many promising female geologists demonstrates her role in inspiring and shaping future generations of women in science. Bascom's work as a geologist, educator, and mentor, as well as her election to the Geological Society of America and her work with the U.S. Geological Survey, are presented as testaments to her impressive legacy in advancing the geological sciences and the status of women within the field.