Page:A cyclopaedia of female biography.djvu/270

 was commenced, say some authorities, in 664, and completed in 670. And there, as Lady Abbess, dwelt, for a time at least, the widowed wife Domniva, as Drayton has it

Her daughter Mildred, commonly called St. Mildred, on account of her holy life, a w6nian remarkable for her humility, afterwards occupied the same distinguished position in this monastery, the memory of whose site is still preserved in the Kentish village called Minster. It does not appear how long Domniva remained fit Minster, nor at what date she founded her nunnery at Ebbsfleet, in the Isle of Thanet. She survived her husband many years, and is frequently mentioned by contemporary historians. The latter period of h&r widowhood was spent at Gloucester, where she died.

DONNE, MARIA DALLE-, born 1776, in a village called Boncastaldo, eighteen miles from Bologna. Her parents were worthy people in humble circumstances, but she had an uncle who was an ecclesiastic, and he, struck with her uncommon intelligence as a child, determined to take charge of her education, and for this purpose carried her home with him to Bologna. This good priest had apartments near the medical college, and was on terras of the most intimate friendship with the celebrated and learned Dr. Luigi Rodati. The latter, observing the quick talents of the little girl, took pleasure in asking her questions to exercise her mind, and at last became so interested in her mental developments, that he instructed her in Latin and the other parts of knowledge which are in general reserved for those intended for professional studies. Besides his own cares, he obtained for her the friendship and tuition of Canterzani, a roan who could boast of an European reputation, as his fame for learning and knowledge extended through that continent. He was so delighted with the genius, the industry, and amiable character of Maria, that he neglected nothing to cultivate her abilities to the utmost. The most abstruse sciences were studied and thoroughly investigated, and her natural inclinations tending to medical researches, she was led to the study of comparative anatomy and experimental physic. Her masters were, besides Canterzani and Rodati, the noted surgeon, Tarsizio Riviera, a man of most profound erudition, the great physician Aldini, and the pathologist Uttini.

These gentlemen, who valued Maria as much for her excellent disposition and conscientious character as for her shining qualifications, considering that she was extremely poor, deliberated whether she should assume the profession of medicine as a means of support. A deformity of the shoulders, which deprived her of a share in the ordinary amusements of young persons, seemed to isolate her among her companions; and these learned professors, perfectly convinced of her competency, persuaded her to offer herself as a candidate for a medical degree, and; by practising this useful and honourable art, to provide for herself. She, with characteristic good sense, objected that the prejudice against her sex assuming such functions would prevent her admission, whatever might be her qualifications. This was undeniable, but her friends