Pearl Kibre

Pearl Kibre - 1985

Pearl Kibre (1900–1985) was an American medievalist and historian of science. She was a prominent scholar in the field of medieval studies and made significant contributions to the understanding of medieval intellectual history and the history of science.

Early Life and Education

Pearl Kibre was born in 1900. She pursued her higher education at Columbia University, where she earned her Ph.D. in 1936. Her dissertation focused on the transmission of scientific knowledge in the Middle Ages, a topic that would remain central to her academic career.

Academic Career

Kibre began her teaching career at Hunter College, part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system. She later joined the faculty at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, where she worked alongside other notable scholars in the field of medieval studies.

Contributions to Medieval Studies

Pearl Kibre's research primarily focused on the transmission of scientific and medical knowledge during the medieval period. She was particularly interested in the role of medieval universities in preserving and disseminating ancient texts. Her work often involved meticulous examination of medieval manuscripts, and she was known for her ability to decipher and interpret these complex documents.

One of her most significant contributions was her research on the manuscripts of the University of Paris, which provided valuable insights into the curriculum and intellectual life of one of the most important medieval universities. Her studies helped to illuminate the ways in which medieval scholars engaged with and built upon the works of ancient authors such as Aristotle and Galen.

Publications

Kibre authored numerous articles and books throughout her career. Some of her notable works include:

• The Library of the Medieval University of Paris (1936)
• Scholarly Privileges in the Middle Ages (1961)
• Hippocrates Latinus: Repertorium of Hippocratic Writings in the Latin Middle Ages (1966)

Legacy and Honors

Pearl Kibre was a respected figure in the field of medieval studies, and her work continues to be cited by scholars today. She was a member of several academic societies, including the Medieval Academy of America and the History of Science Society. In recognition of her contributions to the field, she received numerous awards and honors throughout her career.

Death

Pearl Kibre passed away in 1985, leaving behind a rich legacy of scholarship that has had a lasting impact on the study of medieval intellectual history and the history of science.

See Also

• Medieval studies
• History of science
• Medieval university
• Manuscript culture