Born: 1890 (Prague, Austria-Hungary)
Died: 1943 (Auschwitz concentration camp)
Biography:
Ludmila Slavíková or Ludmila Slavíková-Kaplanová (23 February 1890 – 18 February 1943) was a Czech geologist, mineralogist, and crystallographer. She was born in Prague to Viktorin Kaplan and Bohumila Kaplanová-Holoubková in 1890. Ludmila received her education in Prague, which was then part of Austria-Hungary. She showed great aptitude for science from an early age and went on to study science at Charles University in Prague, where she earned a Ph.D. in mathematics and physics in 1914.
As part of her thesis work, Ludmila focused on the investigation of pyrargyrite crystals. Her research prowess was evident from the start, and her work laid the foundation for her future accomplishments in the field of mineralogy. After completing her formal education, she briefly worked as a school teacher in Prague and Pardubice.
In 1917, Ludmila married František Slavík, a professor of mineralogy at the Czech University of Prague. They formed a dynamic duo and collaborated on a monograph on the Ordovician iron ore deposits of Bohemia. Ludmila’s contribution to this publication solidified her position as an esteemed scientist in her own right.
From 1921 to 1939, Ludmila worked at the National Museum in Prague, where she held the position of Director of the Department of Mineralogy and Petrology. Her expertise and dedication to her work contributed significantly to the development and advancement of mineralogy in Czechoslovakia during this period. Ludmila’s research covered a wide range of topics, including the study of crystals of organic compounds and minerals from Czechoslovakia. She was known for her meticulous attention to detail and her innovative approach to research.
Ludmila Slavíková was not only a prolific researcher but also a talented writer. She authored several scientific publications and textbooks on mineralogy, sharing her knowledge and insights with the scientific community. In particular, for the centenary of the National Museum in Prague, Ludmila wrote a series of articles on the history of the museum’s mineral collections, providing valuable historical context to the study of minerals.
However, Ludmila’s contributions to science were not limited to her academic pursuits. In the face of the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, she became actively involved in the resistance movement. Ludmila’s bravery and determination to fight against oppression and injustice made her a key figure in the resistance efforts.
Unfortunately, Ludmila’s courageous actions came at great personal cost. In February 1943, she was arrested by the Nazis for her resistance activities. Ludmila was subsequently deported to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where she tragically lost her life shortly after her arrival.
Ludmila Slavíková’s legacy as a groundbreaking geologist, mineralogist, and crystallographer, as well as her bravery in the face of adversity, cannot be overstated. Her contributions to the field of mineralogy, her dedication to sharing knowledge, and her unwavering commitment to fighting for justice continue to inspire generations of scientists and activists.