Ogilvie Gordon, Maria M. (1864–1939)
Ogilvie Gordon, Maria M. (1864–1939)
Scottish geologist. Name variations: Maria Matilda Gordon; Maria Matilda Ogilvie; Maria Ogilvie-Gordon; Dame Maria Ogilvie Gordon. Born Maria Matilda Ogilvie, 1864, in Scotland; died June 24, 1939; was 1st woman to earn doctor of science degree from London University, 1893; at Munich University, was the 1st woman PhD, 1900; m. Dr. John Gordon (died 1919); children: 3.
At London University, researched the geology of the Wengen and St. Cassian strata (South Tyrol); conducted research in the Dolomites (South Tyrol) and discovered that the area had experienced faulting, which contradicted common beliefs about the region; wrote a geological guide to the western Dolomites; translated Zittel's History of Geology; chaired the Marylebone Court of Justices and served as one of the 1st women justices of peace; created the Council for the Representation of Women in the League of Nations (1919); was an honorary life president of National Women Citizens Association. Made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (1935); received the Geological Society of London's Lyell Medal (1932).