Celia Grillo Borromeo

Who was Celia Grillo Borromeo?

Clelia Grillo Borromeo Arese or Celia Grillo Borromeo was an Italian mathematician and scientist.

Borromeo was born in Genoa, the daughter of duke Marcantonio of Mondragone and Maria Antonia Imperial. In 1707, she married count Giovanni Borromeo Arese Benedict, and became the mother of eight children. Borromeo was educated in several languages, mathematics, natural science and mechanics. She spoke eight languages and was interested in geometry, natural science and mathematics. She was educated first by her mother and then in a convent, but it is unknown where she received education in the subjects she became known for. She was famous for her ability to solve every mathematical problem presented to her. Borromeo was described as an independent person, which was regarded as excentric because it was not considered natural for her gender. She was criticized for entertaining many scientists, both foreign and Italian, who was known as atheists. One of her guests was Antonio Vallisneri