Google Doodle Celebrates And Honours Elena Cornaro Piscopia

Google has honoured Elena Cornaro Piscopia, the first woman to receive a PhD via a doodle. It would have been her 373^rd Birthday.

This Italian philosopher, also known as Helen Cornaro was the first woman to get a PhD degree at the age of 32 years.

She was born in the year 1646 on June 5. Born in Venice, Elena began her studies under learned instructors and mastered the languages Latin and Greek. However, by the time she turned seven years old, here parents realised that she had a gift. She mastered other languages as well such as Hebrew, Spanish, French and Arabic. Along with all of this, she was a rather talented musician. Elena has studied the harpsichord, clavichord, harp, and violin.

Elena Cornaro Piscopia, an Italian philosopher, also known as Helen Cornaro was the first woman to get a PhD degree at the age of 32 years.

She later on went on to study mathematics and astronomy. However, her greatest interests always remained philosophy and theology. After, she was able to become the president of the Venetian society - Accademia dei Pacifici, she got into the University of Padua in the year 1672.

Despite being allowed to study there, her application to get a doctorate was rejected. This was only because church officials would not bestow and let a woman get the title. Her father was very supportive. Only with his help did she apply for a doctorate in philosophy.

Her oral examination in the year 1678 had attracted a lot of interest. Due to so many people coming to view it, the ceremony was then moved from the university to the Padua Cathedral. This was to accommodate a huge audience which was inclusive of professors, students, senators and other invited guests from all over the country Italy.

Elena Cornaro Piscopia

Speaking in Latin, Elena was able to explain several difficult passages, which were randomly selected from Aristotle’s writings. Elena’s eloquence impressed everyone.

“A wreath of laurel was placed on her head, a gold ring on her finger, a book of philosophy in her hand, and an ermine cape upon her shoulders.”

“A wreath of laurel was placed on her head, a gold ring on her finger, a book of philosophy in her hand, and an ermine cape upon her shoulders.” Times of India quoted.

So that was how, this lady was able to create history, and inspire several other women to push themselves to get the doctorate.

Google has honoured her on her 373^rd birthday by a doodle. Thus not only celebrating her, but also helping youngsters know about her and get inspired. At age of 32 years, she got her doctorate inspiring a trail of other women to achieve academic excellence.

Read also - 10 Powerful Women Google Doodle Commemorated in 2017

Kavya Shah is an intern at SheThePeople.Tv