botany, zoology, mineralogy and many more. At age seventeen, Maria composed her first manuscript and even though her tutors considered it to be excellent work, it was never published.In addition to encouraging her to study science, Maria’s father was constantly inviting fellow scholars to his home and putting Maria and her musically talented sister on display. He would have them both display their skills and talents for the guests. Historians write that Agnesi was a modest woman and disliked being put on display. She took her work very seriously. Eventually, she became so tired of being a display or show that she decided to join the local convent. Historians state that she decided to omit herself from all social activity, including that of the family, and concentrate solely on her mathematical studies. Father Ramiro Rampinelli was her mentor. He guided her during the writing of her most accomplished publication, Istituzioni analytic. These two volumes of over 1000 pages each took ten years to complete. The long and hard work paid off. This publication, which was dedicated to Empress Maria Theresa, “won immediate acclaim”(p.76) and essentially gave Agnesi the recognition as a mathematician. The French Academy of Sciences was even quoted in 1749 stating, “…We consider this work the best written work of its kind”.Pope Benedict XIV gave her superior recognition, which was very important and appreciated by Agnesi mainly because The Pope was someone that Agnesi held in deep regard and respect.1(p.77) Maria Agnesi continued to publish manuscripts and she continued to gain recognition of important, learned people from all around the world. Agnesi also continued to serve in the convent for the rest of her years. The sources never gave any inclination as to whether or not she ever saw her family, however they do state that she was happy being at work. That was who she was and what she loved. S...
