(1718-1799) Mathematician, born and died in Milan. At 13 she had mastered so many languages that she was called the "Walking Polyglot." Her treatises on mathematics were well received by the foremost mathematicians. The plane curve known as versiera is also called the "Witch of Agnesi." She was appointed by Benedict XIV to teach mathematics at Bologna. After several years as director of the Hospice Trivulzio of the Blue Nuns at Milan she joined the order.