Dr. Claire Litt (PhD 2022) has received a postdoctoral fellowship at the Beckman Center for the History of Chemistry at the Science History Institute, a nonprofit organization in Philadelphia that focuses on the history of chemistry, engineering, and life sciences. Claire will take up the fellowship in September 2023.
During her fellowship, Claire will conduct research on the alchemical production of medicinal stones (such as Goa stones, lab-made Bezoar stones) and the rationale behind their perceived efficacy between the late 15th and early 18th centuries. This project is an extension of her dissertation, "Le Gioie Della Vita: The Gemstones, Health, and Beauty of the Medici Women," which examines the Medici women's use of natural gemstones for health and beauty purposes during the period of the Florentine Grand Duchy.
Claire completed her PhD in History in 2022 under the supervision of Dr. Anthony D'Elia and Dr. Una D'Elia (Art History).
Congratulations, Claire!
