Petronella Johanna de Timmerman facts for kids
Petronella Johanna de Timmerman (born January 31, 1723, in Middelburg – died May 2, 1786, in Utrecht) was a talented Dutch poet and scientist. She was known for her intelligence and her interest in learning, especially in a time when it was less common for women to study science.
Early Life and Marriage
Petronella Johanna de Timmerman was born in Middelburg, a city in the Netherlands. Not much is known about her early life, but she grew up to be a very curious and intelligent person. In 1769, she married Johann Friedrich Hennert. He was a professor who taught mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. This marriage was very important for Petronella's scientific journey.
A Scientist and Poet
During her second marriage, Petronella had a great opportunity to explore her passion for science. She worked alongside her husband, conducting many scientific experiments and studying physics. This was quite unusual for women in the 18th century.
Petronella was also a gifted writer. In 1774, her talents were recognized when she became an honorary member of an important academy called ‘Kunstliefde Spaart Geen Vlijt’. This academy valued art and hard work. She shared her own poems with the academy and also translated plays from French into Dutch. She even planned to write a special book about physics, specifically for women, to help them understand scientific ideas.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1776, Petronella suffered a stroke, which affected her health. She passed away in 1786. After her death, her husband, Johann Friedrich Hennert, wrote a biography about her life. He also made sure her poems were published, so her work could be remembered and read by others. Petronella Johanna de Timmerman is remembered as an inspiring woman who broke barriers in science and literature.
