Born: 1864 (Monymusk, Aberdeenshire)
Died: 1939
Biography:
Dame Maria Matilda Gordon DBE LLD (née Ogilvie; 30 April 1864 – 24 June 1939), sometimes known as May Ogilvie Gordon or May Gordon, was an eminent Scottish geologist, paleontologist, and politician. She was a trailblazer in the field of earth sciences and a prominent advocate for the rights and equality of children and women. Her groundbreaking contributions to geology and her tireless efforts to promote gender equality have left an indelible mark on both the scientific community and society as a whole.
Maria Ogilvie was born in Monymusk, Aberdeenshire, in April 1864. As the eldest daughter of Maria Matilda Nichol and Reverend Alexander Ogilvie LL.D., she grew up in a highly educated household. Her father was the headmaster of Robert Gordons College, and her family had connections with various schools and colleges. Maria and her siblings were privileged to receive a profound education from an early age.
Maria’s older brother, Francis Grant Ogilvie, was a scientist and the director of the London Science Museum. Together, Maria and Francis spent their youth climbing and hiking in Deeside and the Highlands. These experiences fostered Maria’s exceptional talents for observation and her passion for fieldwork, sparking her love for geology.
At the age of nine, Maria was sent to the Merchant Company Edinburgh Ladies’ College, a boarding school. During her eight years at the school, she excelled academically and became both head girl and the best academic pupil. Initially, Maria aspired to become a professional pianist and even pursued a music career by attending the Royal Academy of Music in London. However, her fascination with science led her to shift her focus and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at Heriot-Watt College. Following that, she specialized in geology, botany, and zoology at University College London in 1890.
In 1891, Maria traveled to Germany to further her studies at Berlin University. Unfortunately, she faced discrimination as women were not admitted to higher education institutions at the time in Germany. Despite the efforts of influential friends and colleagues, including geologist Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen, Maria was denied admission. Undeterred, she accompanied von Richthofen and his wife to Munich, where she studied with Karl von Zittel and Richard von Hertwig and conducted research. This experience in Germany allowed Maria to broaden her scientific knowledge and deepen her understanding of geology.
Throughout her career, Maria Gordon made significant contributions to geology and paleontology. She conducted extensive research on the geological formations in Scotland, particularly focusing on the Devonian period. Her work shed new light on the evolution of marine life during that time. Maria’s expertise in the field led to her appointment as Honorary Lecturer in Geology at King’s College Aberdeen. She became the first woman to be awarded a Doctor of Science from the University of London and the first woman to receive a Ph.D. from the University of Munich.
Maria Gordon recognized the importance of education and actively campaigned for the rights and equality of both children and women. She advocated for equal access to education and championed the idea that all individuals, regardless of gender, should have the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional ambitions. Her tireless efforts paved the way for future generations of women to enter the field of earth sciences and other male-dominated disciplines.
In recognition of her groundbreaking achievements and her commitment to advancing gender equality, Maria Gordon was honored with numerous awards and accolades. These include the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE), bestowed upon her for her services to geology and women’s rights. Her contributions to the scientific community and her advocacy efforts continue to inspire and empower women around the world.
Awards:
– Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE)