Laura Bassi and her Networks (1732–1745)

Abstract

In this chapter, we examine the correspondence between Laura and powerful and famous men during the thirteen years between her degree (1732) and the year when she was admitted to the Pope’s special group at the Academy, the Benedettina, which opened up the opportunity for a real career in science (1745). The first part describes the laudatory writings after Laura’s degree. The second part summarizes the content of letters between Laura and Flaminio Scarseeli, a friend and mentor; some of the content has to do with obtaining the support of the Pope for her admission to the Benedettina at the Academy. There are also favours requested by Laura for her cousin and for others and Flaminio’s response to these. The third part discusses correspondence between Laura and her earliest supporters, Iacopo Bartolomeo Beccari and Giovanni Bianchi. Both men were quite much older than her and acted as mentors for her development and studies in science. Bianchi had an especially important influence on Laura and their correspondence was quite regular. Bianchi also visited Laura and her parents from time to time in Bologna.