Franciscus Sylvius: Ein Leben für Klinik, Forschung, Lehre und ein bisschen Gin

Franciscus Sylvius lebte im 17. Jahrhundert und war ein hessisch-holländischer Arzt, Anatom und Naturwissenschaftler flämischer Abstammung. Als bedeutender Kliniker und Iatrochemiker gilt er als Begründer der wissenschaftlich orientierten Medizin und der klinischen Chemie. Seine Forschungs- und Lehrmethoden waren seinerzeit genauso revolutionär wie erfolgreich: Genaueres hierzu, und was es mit dem Gin auf sich hat, zeigt dieser Beitrag.

Abstract

Franciscus Sylvius, latinized from Franz de le Boë (*15 March 1614 in Hanau; † 14 November 1672 in Leiden), was a Hessian-Dutch physician, anatomist, and natural scientist of Flemish descent. He was an important clinician and iatrochemist, and is considered the founder of scientifically oriented medicine and clinical chemistry. Sylvius introduced the concept of affinity and dealt with digestive processes and body fluids. He was one of the leading exponents of the concept of blood circulation developed by William Harvey. As the person responsible for practical medicine in Leiden, Sylvius established bedside teaching as part of the medical curriculum, and he introduced his students to clinical medicine in an experimental way, both contrary to the rules of the time. He was also interested in pharmacology, herbalism and botany. For heartburn and digestive disorders, Sylvius mixed juniper berries, herbs and alcohol to create a medicine. According to legend, Sylvius marketed this medicine as Genever, for which the name Gin was later adopted in the British Isles, but not only used for medical purposes. Accordingly, the city of birth of Sylvius today calls itself a “birthplace of gin”.

Schlüsselwörter

Franciscus Sylvius - Iatrochemiker - Unterricht am Krankenbett - Gin

Key words

Franciscus Sylvius - iatrochemist - bedside teaching - gin

Publication History

Article published online:
16 December 2020

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