Maria Dalle Donne facts for kids
Maria Dalle Donne (born July 12, 1778 – died June 9, 1842) was an amazing Italian doctor. She also directed parts of the University of Bologna. Maria was a true pioneer: she was the third woman ever to earn a doctorate in medicine. She was also the second woman to join a special academic group called the Ordine dei Benedettini Accademici Pensionati.
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Maria Dalle Donne's Life Story
Maria Nanni was born on July 12, 1778. This was in Roncastaldo, a small village near Bologna, Italy. Her family was very poor, and her parents were likely farmers.
A Talented Young Student
From a young age, Maria had a shoulder problem. This meant she couldn't do hard physical work. So, she was sent to live with a relative, Don Giacomo Dalle Donne. She later took his last name.
A doctor and botanist named Luigi Rodati began teaching her. He saw how smart she was in science and other subjects. Maria quickly learned Greek and Latin. Rodati believed she could become as famous as Laura Bassi, another brilliant woman scholar.
In 1789, Rodati wrote about Maria. He said she was only eleven but could speak and write Latin. He had high hopes for her future. Maria worked hard and learned very quickly.
When Rodati became a professor at the University of Bologna in 1792, he brought Maria with him. He made sure she learned from the best teachers. She studied philosophy with Sebastiano Canterzani and physics with Giovanni Aldini. She also learned anatomy and pathology with Gaetano Uttini. Most importantly, she studied obstetrical surgery with Tarsizio Riviera.
Everyone was excited to have such a talented young woman. Riviera encouraged Maria to study obstetrics. He also urged her to get degrees in medicine and philosophy. This would help her become a doctor and support herself.
University Studies and Achievements
On August 1, 1799, Maria had a public debate. It was about the topic "De Integumentis" and lasted three days. She did so well that her teachers encouraged her to get her doctorate.
On December 19, 1799, Maria had her final exam. It was held in the anatomical theatre of the Archiginnasio. Many people came to watch. Hours before the exam, she was given two topics to discuss. She had to defend her ideas in public.
Maria was joined by Clotilde Tambroni, a Greek scholar. Maria impressed everyone with her knowledge and her ability to speak Latin. She discussed many topics, including surgery and diet. She was especially interested in obstetrics and caring for newborns.
Maria talked about new ideas like how blood flows in the placenta. She also discussed problems babies can have before birth. She was laying the groundwork for modern neonatology, which is the study of newborn health.
At just 21 years old, Maria received her doctorate. Her teacher, Riviera, gave her the special symbols of a doctor. These included a laurel wreath, a ring, and books. She became the first woman to graduate in medicine from the University of Bologna. She also got permission to practice medicine freely.
Becoming a Dedicated Teacher
After becoming a doctor, Maria wanted to become a licensed teacher. On May 23-24, 1800, she presented three more theses. These were about medical history and how organs work. She debated with doctors and philosophers for three days.
Her first thesis, "Ex Anatomia et Physiologia", looked at how different body parts are built and how they work. She compared old ideas with new ones. She also wrote about female fertility, fetal malformations, and blood flow in the uterus.
Her second thesis, "Theses ex Universa Medicina", discussed different medical treatments. Maria believed that good hygiene was very important for health. She said that following hygiene rules could reduce the need for surgery or medicine. She also talked about surgery at the time. Operations on internal organs were hard because there was no anesthesia or asepsis (keeping things germ-free). Maria also stressed that a good diagnosis was key for effective treatment.
Her third thesis, about obstetrics and newborn diseases, was lost. However, we know she gave practical advice, like not using tight swaddling clothes for babies. Her main focus was on women's health during pregnancy and obstetrics.
On May 31, 1800, Maria was accepted into the Accademia dei Benedettini. This was part of the Institute of Sciences. This honor was also given to Laura Bassi years before.
Maria Dalle Donne's Writings
- "Theses ex Universa Medicina depromptae quas defendendas proponiert" (1800)
- "Et Medicinae Doctrix Bononiensis Academiae Scientiarum Instituti socia" (1800)
- "Theses ex Anatomia et Physiologia Depromptae" (1800)
The School of Midwifery
Around this time, there was a growing interest in caring for pregnant women. There was also a need to better train midwives. The first Italian School of Obstetrics was founded in Bologna in 1757.
In 1801, Maria's teacher, Riviera, suggested creating a hospital. This hospital would care for "poor pregnant women about to give birth." The government decided to open a School of Obstetrics for midwives.
Starting the school was difficult. It was hard to find a good location and enough money. So, in 1805, the government allowed Maria to teach the courses at her home. She continued to do this until at least 1829.
People at the time described Maria as a strict teacher. But she was also kind and caring towards her students. She was very careful when judging her students' skills. Maria believed it was wrong to let untrained women deliver babies. She wanted to make sure her students were truly skilled.
Maria knew Latin and Greek, but she often used simple language. She even used local Bolognese words. She wanted her students to understand her, not just admire her. Students usually came from nearby towns, but some came from places like Ravenna or Rimini. They were often married women or widows. Unmarried women were not thought to be suitable for this work at the time.
Rules of the School
For many years, the school didn't have official rules. Students just needed a certificate of good behavior. They also needed proof that they had practiced with a surgeon. The hardest part was getting accepted. Maria was very strict and demanded hard work and dedication.
The course usually lasted one year. The first six months were about theory. After that, students could start practical training with an experienced midwife. Students could only practice after passing the final exam.
After the Papal Restoration, students also needed a certificate from their priest. This certificate said they were good people. It also said they could perform baptisms in emergencies. Midwives also needed permission from the church to practice. Their work was checked by priests regularly.
Sometimes, students from the countryside found it hard to attend all classes. They had trouble traveling and paying for expenses. But overall, Maria Dalle Donne's school greatly improved care for women in labor.
Maria was strict with everyone. She only promoted students who truly deserved it. She wanted to prevent deaths that could be avoided with a good midwife. She was especially strict with those who would work in isolated areas. These midwives would not have hospital support.
Maria Dalle Donne ran the school and taught for 37 years. This was from 1805 until her death in 1842.
Maria Dalle Donne: A Role Model
Maria Dalle Donne continued teaching until she died on January 9, 1842. She passed away suddenly at her home. She was buried in the Monumental Cemetery of the Certosa di Bologna.
Her tombstone reads: "woman of great learning - illustrious for every kind of virtue - doctor of philosophy and medicine." Just as Laura Bassi inspired her, Maria Dalle Donne became a role model for doctors and teachers.
In 1964, a doctor named Edmea Pirami spoke about Maria. She said that women doctors today see their own calling in Maria's life. She called Maria a "forerunner" for modern professional women. Pirami also noted how Maria's humble beginnings did not stop her. Maria used her talents with discipline and good will. She showed complete dedication to medicine.
Acknowledgements
Several places and things are named after Maria Dalle Donne:
- The "Maria Dalle Donne" State Middle School in Monghidoro (BO).
- The "Maria Dalle Donne" Secondary School in Loiano (BO).
- At the entrance to the Town Hall in Loiano, there is a bronze statue of Dr. Dalle Donne. It was made by Carlo Anleri. A panel nearby tells her story.
- Also at the entrance to the Municipality of Loiano, Luigi Enzo Mattei included Maria Dalle Donne's image in his large artwork called "La Parete dei Viaggiatori."
See also
In Spanish: Maria Dalle Donne para niños
