But he rejected the idea that he should occupy the chair, although had there been a Nobel for sociology, Mr Merton would probably have added it to his many honours.

ECONOMIST: Robert Merton | The

The first woman to occupy the Speaker's chair was Betty Harvie Anderson (Conservative), appointed deputy chairman of the Ways and Means committee (a deputy speaker) in July 1970, taking the chair later that day during the Queen's Speech debate when she was addressed as 'Mr Deputy Speaker'.

BBC: Women in parliament

Dominant people tend to take up more space in the room, by splaying out their legs and feet, slouching in a chair to occupy more space in the room, and by using their arms and hands to take up more space horizontally.

FORBES: How to Detect Respect - or Disrespect: Body Language Quick Takes #7