Maria Gordon
| Dame Maria Matilda Ogilvie Gordon | |
|---|---|
Dame Maria Gordon
|
|
| Born |
13 April 1864 Monymusk, Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Died | 24 June 1939 (aged 75) Regent's Park, London |
| Resting place | Allenvale Cemetery, Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Citizenship | British |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Fields | Geology |
| Alma mater | Heriot Watt College, University College, London, University of Munich |
| Thesis | (1900) |
| Notable awards |
Lyell Medal (1932) DBE (1935) Honorary LL.D. from University of Edinburgh (1935) |
| Spouse | Dr John Gordon (m. 1895–1919); his death |
| Children | 3 |
Dame Maria Matilda Gordon DBE (née Ogilvie; 30 April 1864 – 24 June 1939), known as May Ogilvie Gordon, was an eminent Scottish geologist and palaeontologist. She was the first women to be awarded a Doctor of Science from University of London and the first woman to be awarded a PhD from the University of Munich. She was also a supporter and campaigner for the rights and equality of children and women.
Ogilvie was born in Monymusk, Aberdeenshire in 1864, the eldest daughter of Maria Matilda Nichol and Reverend Alexander Ogilvie, LL.D, headmaster of Robert Gordons College. She had five brothers and two sisters. Her eldest brother, Francis Grant Ogilvie, was also a scientist and director of the London Science Museum.
At the age of nine she went to the Merchant Company Edinburgh Ladies' College where she remained for nine years, becoming both head girl and the best academic pupil. At the age of 18 she went to the Royal Academy of Music in London where she studied piano. However, she left within a year to start a Bachelor of Science at Heriot-Watt College. She completed her degree, specialising in geology, botany and zoology, in 1890 at University College London.
In 1891, she traveled to Germany to continue her studies at Berlin University. She was refused admission as women were not admitted to higher education institutions at the time in Germany, this despite the efforts of several influential friends and colleagues, including geologist Baron Ferdinand von Richthofen She accompanied von Richthofen and his wife to Munich where she studied with Karl von Zittel and Richard von Hertwig and carried out research. In July 1891, the Richthofens travelled to the Dolomites for five weeks, inviting Ogilvie to go with them.
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