Maria Bakunin

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Maria Bakunin (also known as Marussia Bakunin) was a Russian-Italian chemist and geologist who helped shape science in Italy. She was born on February 2, 1873, in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. After her father died, her family moved to Naples, Italy. She studied chemistry at the University of Naples Federico II and graduated in 1895, writing a thesis on stereochemistry.

What she did
- Chemistry: Bakunin conducted important research in stereochemistry and applied chemistry. She studied ideas like the geometric isomerism of certain compounds and worked on making medicines. Her findings were published in Italian scientific journals.
- Geology: She also did geological work, including studies of Mount Vesuvius and a geological map of the Italian Peninsula. She explored oil shale and ichthyol deposits in the Campania region (around Salerno).

Teaching and leadership
- She taught applied chemistry in Naples and became Chair in Applied Technological Chemistry in 1912.
- From 1911 to 1930, she advised local governments and companies on ichthyol mining in the area.
- In 1921, she became president of the Naples branch of the Italian Chemistry Association. In 1928, she was invited to work with the National Research Council on chemistry commissions.

World War II and after
- In 1938, she helped protect her anti-fascist nephew Renato Caccioppoli from imprisonment.
- During World War II, her house was burned by the Nazis, and she continued her work in the University of Naples.
- After the war, she helped rebuild the Accademia Pontaniana and served as its president from 1944 to 1949.

Later life and legacy
- Bakunin remained active in science and public service until she died on April 17, 1960, in Naples at the age of 87.
- Colleagues remembered her as a strong, influential figure who brought energy and prestige to Naples’ science community.