Alessandra Giliani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alessandra Giliani
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Alessandra Giliani
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| Born | 1307 |
| Died | 26 March 1326 |
| Nationality | Italy |
| Known for | Anatomy |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Anatomist |
Alessandra Giliani (1307-1326) was an Italian natural historian. She is known as the first woman recorded in history to work in anatomy and pathology. Anatomy is the study of the body's structure. Pathology is the study of diseases.
However, there isn't much historical proof that she existed. Some experts think she might have been a made-up character. Others believe her work was so surprising for a woman at that time that her story was removed from history.
Contents
Who Was Alessandra Giliani?
Alessandra Giliani was likely born in 1307. Her birthplace was San Giovanni in Persiceto, in Italy. Records say she died in 1326, at just 19 years old. She may have died from a serious infection.
She is celebrated as the first female anatomist in the Western world. People say she was a brilliant prosector. A prosector is someone who prepares bodies for study.
Working with a Master
Alessandra is believed to have worked with Mondino de' Liuzzi. He was a famous professor at the University of Bologna medical school. Mondino de' Liuzzi is often called the father of modern anatomy. He wrote an important book about anatomy in 1316. Alessandra was said to be his surgical assistant.
A Tribute to Her Work
Otto Angenius was also one of Mondino's assistants. He was probably Alessandra's fiancé. He honored her short life with a special plaque. This plaque described her important work. It was placed at a church called "San Pietro e Marcellino degli Spedolari di Santa Maria di Mareto, o d'Ulmareto."
Remembering Alessandra
Even though her existence is debated, Alessandra Giliani's story has been shared.
Historical Mentions
A historian named Michele Medici mentioned her. He wrote a history of the Bolognese school of anatomy in 1857. This shows that her story was known in the 19th century.
A Story Reimagined
Barbara Quick wrote a novel called A Golden Web. It was published in 2010. This book is a fictional story about Alessandra Giliani's life. It helps keep her memory alive for new generations.
See also
In Spanish: Alessandra Giliani para niños
