Biography:
Sophia Brahe, also known as Sophie Brahe or Sophie Thott Lange, was a Danish noblewoman and horticulturalist, known for her knowledge of astronomy, chemistry, and medicine. Born on August 24, 1559, or possibly on September 22, 1556, in Knudstrup, Denmark, Sophia was the youngest of ten children. Her father, Otte Brahe, served as the rigsråd, or advisor, to the King of Denmark, and her mother, Beate Bille Brahe, was the leader of the royal household for Queen Sophie.
Sophia’s eldest brother was the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe. Despite the significant age difference and growing up in different households, Sophia and Tycho developed a close bond during Sophia’s teenage years. Both siblings shared a deep passion for science, which was unusual for members of the aristocracy at the time. They longed for lives filled with knowledge and scientific exploration, defying the traditional expectations of noble individuals.
In 1579, Sophia married Otto Thott, who was 33 years old at the time. Although the exact age of Sophia during their marriage is unclear, it is believed she was at least twenty, if not older. The couple had a son named Tage Thott, born in 1580. Tragically, Otto Thott passed away on March 23, 1588. After her husband’s death, Sophia Thott took charge of managing his property in Eriksholm, which is now known as Trolleholm Castle. She successfully ran the estate, ensuring its profitability, until their son came of age.
During her time at Eriksholm, Sophia embraced her passion for horticulture and created exceptional gardens. She also pursued studies in chemistry and medicine, particularly in line with the teachings of Paracelsus. Sophia was fascinated by the concept that small doses of poison could serve as potent medicines. She applied her expertise to treat the local poor and establish a reputation as a skilled healer. However, societal restrictions prevented her from practicing medicine as a legitimate physician due to the lack of a college degree, which was often denied to women.
Sophia’s interest in astrology also led her to assist her brother, Tycho, in producing horoscopes. In 1587, King Frederick II of Denmark granted Sophia the title of Årup farm, located in what is now Sweden, further fueling her devotion to scientific pursuits. She often visited Uranienborg, where she became acquainted with Erik Lange, a nobleman who studied alchemy and was a friend of Tycho’s. Despite his noble background, Erik struggled financially due to his obsession with alchemy and the pursuit of turning base metals into gold.
Sophia made thirteen visits to Uranienborg in 1590 and became engaged to Erik Lange. However, their relationship faced financial challenges due to his monetary instability caused by his alchemical experiments. Despite these difficulties, Sophia continued her scientific pursuits and played a crucial role in supporting her brother’s work.
Sophia Brahe’s contributions to science, particularly in astronomy, chemistry, and horticulture, are significant. She defied societal expectations for a noblewoman and dedicated her life to the pursuit of knowledge and scientific discovery. Her passion for medicine, astrology, and chemistry inspired others and paved the way for future advancements in these fields.