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CORVALLIS, Ore. – An international group of scholars will meet at Oregon State University June 19-21 to discuss the work of Margaret Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle.

Cavendish (1623–1673) was the first woman to publish scientific works in English, as well as works of poetry, plays, orations, letters and science fiction. The theme of the conference is “Margaret Cavendish and Nature.” All conference sessions are free and open to the public and will be held at the Center for Humanities (Autzen House), 811 S.W. Jefferson Ave., Corvallis.

Stephen Clucas of the University of London will deliver the keynote talk on Friday, June 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the center.

An original play called “The Blazing World Inside,” by OSU theater professor Elizabeth Helman and based on Cavendish’s works, will be performed Saturday, June 20, at the University Lab Theater from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Helman will discuss the play after the performance. Tickets are $5.

Here is the conference session schedule:

Friday, June 19:

9 to 10:30 a.m.: Science and Nature

11a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Cavendish and Francis Bacon

2 to 3:30 p.m.: Historiography and War

3:45 to 5:15 p.m.: Animals

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.: Keynote address, “Margaret Cavendish and Nature,” Stephen Clucas

Saturday, June 20:

9 to 10:30 a.m.: Perception and Metaphysics

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Nature and Art

2 to 3:30 p.m.: Feminine Tropes

3:45 to 5:15 p.m.: Female Friendship/Alliance

7:30 to 9 p.m.: “The Blazing World Inside,” play by Elizabeth Helman

Sunday, June 21

9 to 11 a.m.: Symposium on Cavendish and Nature

This conference is sponsored by the Horning Endowment in the Humanities and the History Department, with support from the Center for the Humanities.

For more information, including a complete schedule of session papers, visit www.oregonstate.edu/cla/history or call 541-737-8560.