WOMAN SCIENTIST

Southland Times, Issue 23444, 26 February 1938, Page 17

WOMAN SCIENTIST

SECOND HONORARY DEGREE RECEIVED For the second time in her life Dame Maria Ogilvie Gordon, the famous scientist, received an honorary degree from a university, and on each occasion she was the first woman to be so honoured. She became a doctor of philosophy of Munich University many years ago, and two weeks ago she became a doctor of laws of Sydney University. The degree was conferred by the Chancellor, Mr Justice Haise Rogers, in the presence of a distinguished gathering. It is usual for the dean of the faculty —in Dame Maria’s case, Sir John Peden —to admit new members to the faculty, but the Vice-Chancellor, Dr R. S. Wallace, asked special permission because

his school master in Aberdeen had been Dr Alexander Ogilvie, Dame Maria s father. For old association’s sake he claimed the privilege of asking for her admittance to the doctorate of laws. “In Australia we have a great appreciation of those who break records, he said. “Dame Maria established a record when she became a doctor of philosophy at Munich, and she has established another record in Sydney today.” Dame Maria said the honour con-

ferred upon her had been conferred upon all women. She recollected that when she first studied for entrance to a university the only university which would enter her for her degree was the London University; her own university in Scotland would not hear of women students, and, although in Germany she earned her degree, it was not conferred till 13 years later.