Born: 1845
Died: 1919
Biography:
Elizaveta Fedorovna Litvinova (1845–1919) was a Russian mathematician and pedagogue who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics education. Born in 1845 in czarist Russia as Elizaveta Fedorovna Ivashkina, she completed her early education at a women’s high school in Saint Petersburg.
In 1866, Elizaveta married Viktor Litvinov. Unlike Sofia Kovalevskaya, whose husband supported her academic pursuits and allowed her to study in Europe, Litvinova faced different circumstances. Her husband’s lack of support prevented her from traveling to European universities for further studies. Undeterred by this setback, Litvinova sought alternative means to pursue her passion for mathematics.
She sought the guidance of Strannoliubskii, a renowned mathematician who had also privately tutored Kovalevskaya. Litvinova’s dedication and perseverance paid off as she gained a deep understanding of various mathematical concepts under Strannoliubskii’s mentorship.
In 1872, tragedy struck when her husband passed away. This event marked a turning point in Litvinova’s life. Determined to further her education, she seized the opportunity to travel to Zürich and enrolled at a polytechnic institute.
However, Litvinova’s ambitions were complicated by the Russian czar’s decree in 1873, which called for all Russian women studying in Zürich to return to their homeland or face the consequences. Despite the risks, Litvinova decided to defy the decree and continue her studies in Zürich.
Her dedication and academic prowess led to remarkable achievements. In 1876, she earned her baccalaureate degree, and in 1878, she received her doctoral degree from the University of Bern. Litvinova’s academic success not only showcased her talent but also inspired future generations of women mathematicians.
Upon returning to Russia, Litvinova faced opposition and discrimination. Her refusal to adhere to the 1873 recall prevented her from securing university appointments. However, this setback did not deter her from pursuing her passion for mathematics. Litvinova took up a teaching position at a women’s high school, where she shared her knowledge and expertise with young minds.
Despite facing adversity, Litvinova’s dedication to mathematics did not waver. She supplemented her income by writing biographies of renowned mathematicians such as Kovalevskaya and Aristotle. Through her writings, Litvinova aimed to highlight their contributions and inspire others to pursue their academic interests.
After retiring from teaching, Litvinova’s life took a tragic turn with the onset of the Russian Revolution in 1917. It is believed that she perished during this tumultuous period in Russian history, a fate suffered by many intellectuals and academics.
Elizaveta Litvinova’s story is one of resilience, determination, and passion for knowledge. Despite facing numerous challenges and societal restrictions, she persevered and made significant contributions to the field of mathematics education. Her courage and dedication continue to inspire women in the field of mathematics to this day.