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
