Museum director to speak on groundbreaking philosopher on Statesboro, Armstrong campuses Feb. 11, 12

February 7, 2019

Michelle DiMeo, Ph.D., director of the Hagley Heritage Curators Program at the Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington, Delaware, is coming to Georgia Southern University to speak on the work of 17th-century English philosopher Katherine Jones, Lady Ranelagh on Feb. 11 and 12. Both events are free and open to the public.

“Dr. DiMeo is the world’s foremost authority on the life and work of Lady Katherine Ranelagh, whose significance to the history of science is only now beginning to be appreciated,” philosophy professor William Eaton said. “Students interested in philosophy, history, chemistry, women’s studies or Irish studies will benefit from attending.”

Ranelagh, who lived from 1615 to 1691, was the older sister of Robert Boyle, widely considered the father of modern chemistry. Serving as her brother’s research partner for over 20 years, she deeply influenced his work and found a way to pursue her own scientific research within the strict gender roles of 17th- century England, in a way that eluded other female philosophers of the period.

DiMeo is in the process of writing the first biography of Ranelagh, and her lecture will present Ranelagh’s work in natural philosophy and medical chemistry, focusing on her importance to the history of philosophy, science and medicine.

The event on the Statesboro Campus will be held on Feb. 11 in room 1005 of the Information Technology building from 7 to 8 p.m. The event on the Armstrong Campus will be held on Feb. 12 in room 202 of Hawes Hall from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

The lectures are sponsored by the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Campus Life Enrichment Committee, Phi Sigma Tau and the Philosophy Club.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers 141 degree programs serving nearly 26,500 students through nine colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia, the University provides a diverse student population with expert faculty, world-class scholarship and hands-on learning opportunities. Georgia Southern creates lifelong learners who serve as responsible scholars, leaders and stewards in their communities. Visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu.