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September 10, 2010

Strange But True!

Q. Why was the first woman mathematician murdered?

A. Hypatia of Alexandria (370-414) was the first woman mathematician in the history of humanity of whom we have reasonably reliable and detailed knowledge, says Clifford Pickover in “The Math Book.” She was said to be physically attractive and determinedly celibate. “When asked why she was obsessed with mathematics and would not marry, she replied that she was wedded to the truth.”


 
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