Biography: 1875–1891

Abstract

Sonya, Vladimir, and Julia Lermontova shared a moment of triumph in the fall of 1874. All three had been awarded doctorates, Lermontova in chemistry from Göttingen and Vladimir in geology from Jena (in 1872). Vladimir, however, had failed the qualifying examination necessary to procure a teaching post in Russia (cf. Koblitz 1983, p. 118). Sonya was feted on her name-day, 17 September on the Russian calendar; her old tutor Malevich toasted “the health of the first Russian woman scholar.” Lermontova was given a warm reception in Petersburg by the chemist Mendeleev. Sonya and Vladimir had reconciled during 1873 and from then on began to make plans for a future together. At some time during the next few years they finally consummated their marriage after seven years of a platonic relationship.