Maria Bakunin

Maria Bakunin was born in Krasnoyarsk on 2 February 1873 and died in Naples on 17 April 1960. She was an Italian chemist and biologist, the daughter of the most famous and well-known revolutionary philosopher Mikhail Bakunin.

Maria, even as a young student, became “preparer” at the Federico II University chemical laboratory in Naples, where in 1895 she gave a proof of her extraordinary talent graduating in chemistry with a degree thesis on stereochemistry. Following her graduation she received the chair of chemistry in the same University and was proclaimed emeritus professor.

She devoted all her time to chemical studies, with particular attention to the ichthyology, through the examination of sedimentary rocks imbued with ichthyol, which are, among other things, typical rocks of Picentini mountains, in Salerno area. She also dedicated to trace out the geological map of Italy. After the Second World War Benedetto Croce designated her as the President of Pontaniana Academy.

Bakunin was the aunt of the famous Neapolitan mathematician Renato Caccioppoli. The story tells that in 1938 Renato was imprisoned after he delivered a speech against Fascism but his aunt, Maria, was able to obtain his release by persuading the inquisitors on Renato capability of intents.

References

• R. A. Nicolaus, "Ricordo di Maria Bakunin", Atti dell'Accademia Pontaniana LII, Napoli 2004, pp. 27–32
• P. Mongillo, "Marussia Bakunin, una donna nella storia della chimica", Rubbettino 2008
• English translation abstract by M. Baglivo

External links

• Official Site

Persondata
Name	Bakunin, Maria
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	1873
Place of birth
Date of death	1960
Place of death