Born: 1718 (Milan, Italy)
Died: 1799
Biography:
Maria Gaetana Agnesi (16 May 1718 – 9 January 1799) was an Italian mathematician, philosopher, theologian, and humanitarian. She is considered to be one of the most important female mathematicians of all time, as well as a pioneering figure in women’s history. Agnesi was born into a wealthy and literate family in Milan, Italy, to parents Pietro Agnesi, a silk merchant, and Anna Fortunato Brivio of the Brivius de Brokles family. Although her father had ambitions of elevating their family into the Milanese nobility, Agnesi’s mother’s death provided her with the opportunity to retire from public life and take over the management of the household.
From an early age, Agnesi displayed remarkable intellectual abilities. By the time she was five, she could already speak both Italian and French, and by age eleven, she had mastered Greek, Hebrew, Spanish, German, and Latin, earning her the nickname Seven-Tongued Orator. However, her relentless pursuit of knowledge took a toll on her health, and at the age of twelve, she fell ill. It was believed that her illness was a result of her excessive studying and reading, leading doctors to prescribe rigorous physical activities such as dancing and horseback riding. Despite these efforts, her health did not improve significantly, and she was advised to adopt a more moderate approach to learning.
By the age of fourteen, Agnesi was studying advanced subjects like ballistics and geometry. Her father recognized her exceptional talent and began hosting gatherings at their house with the most learned men in Bologna, before whom Agnesi would present and defend her theses on complex philosophical questions. These gatherings garnered attention and recognition, with records of the meetings captured in Charles de Brosses’ Lettres sur l’Italie and her father’s publication, Propositiones Philosophicae, which documented her final performance where she defended 190 philosophical theses.
In 1739, Agnesi published her most renowned work, Instituzioni analitiche ad uso della gioventù italiana (Analytical Institutions for the Use of Italian Youth). It was the first book to discuss both differential and integral calculus, and it became a significant contribution to the field of mathematics. This work solidified her reputation as a brilliant mathematician.
Despite her accomplishments, Agnesi faced several challenges and obstacles as a woman pursuing a career in mathematics during the 18th century. The patriarchal society she lived in presented limitations and prejudices against women in academia, making it difficult for her to find opportunities for further advancement. Nonetheless, Agnesi’s intelligence and dedication paved the way for future generations of women in mathematics.
In addition to her mathematical pursuits, Agnesi had a strong interest in theology. In her later years, she devoted herself to the study of theology, particularly patristics, and engaged in extensive charitable work to serve the poor and those in need. A devout Catholic, she believed in the importance of uniting intellectual pursuit with mystical contemplation, emphasizing the complementarity of rational contemplation and prayer. Her essay, Il cielo mistico (The Mystic Heaven), delved into this topic, exploring the connection between the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment, with a focus on the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Throughout her life, Agnesi remained committed to her pursuits in academia, theology, and philanthropy. Her contributions to mathematics, philosophy, and charity left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations and breaking barriers for women in academia. Maria Gaetana Agnesi’s legacy continues to be celebrated as a pioneering female mathematician and influential figure in women’s history.