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The essay uses the metaphor of underwater periscopes, which allow one to see without being seen, to describe how Egües managed to progress in institutions such as the CSIC (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), the University and the Army, despite hostile or suspicious looks. As the Franco regime had severely restricted science in Spain, it required the important participation of women like Egües in the reconstruction of the techno-scientific system, especially in the development of the optical instrument industry, including those for military use.
The essay describes the obstacles that Egües faced due to her gender, such as failing a university course for a minor problem and being threatened with expulsion from the Optics Institute for being a woman. Despite these difficulties, Egües persevered and became a leading figure in the design and manufacture of the first purely Spanish periscopes of the 20th century. Her work was recognized with the award of the Naval Merit Cross First Class with White Badge in 1974.