Nowadays there is a lot talk about writing women back in history. But there are only a few very good example in the world of fiction (like Foe by J.M. Coetzee) demonstrating what does it mean women are !eft out from history.
I nthe third Outlander book, Voyager, there is a scene (unfortunately did not make it into the television adaptation,) that refers to this topic in a smart way.
During their journey to the Caribbean to find young Ian, Claire is abducted by a young navy officer, Captain Leonard to threat the sick crew members (thyphoid fever) of the ship Porpoise. At one moment, Claire manages to get a glimpse into the captain’s log and read:
3 February, 1767. Met near eight bells with Artemis, a small two-masted brig under French colors. Hailed her and requested the assistance of her surgeon, C. Malcolm, who was taken on board and remains with us to assist with the sick.
Her reaction:
C. Malcolm, eh? No mention of my being a woman; [..] (( Diana Gabaldon:Voyager (Outlander 3) ))
And when strangers would read thi entry in the captain’s log, they would easily think the C. refers to Charles, Christophe or Colin, or whatever other male first name.
How many times could have this or something similar during the recent centuries?
(Of course, from the point of view of the actual story it seems more important thst this is the way Claire learns about that Jamie is in danger.)