Albrecht von Haller
Albrecht von Haller was an influential Swiss physician, anatomist, and poet born in 1708 into a well-off family. He began his education in medicine at the University of Tübingen in 1723 and also studied at the University of Leyden, earning his doctorate in 1727. Following his studies, Haller traveled to England and Paris to enhance his knowledge of anatomy and surgical techniques before returning to Switzerland, where he practiced medicine for eight years. In 1735, he accepted a prestigious position at the University of Göttingen, where he taught medicine, anatomy, surgery, and botany for seventeen years.
Haller’s contributions to literature began with the publication of "Versuch schweizerischer Gedichten" in 1732, marking the start of his prolific writing career. He published over twenty volumes on various subjects, including anatomy and botany, with notable works such as "Primae lineae physiologiae" in 1747, which explored tissue irritability. Later in life, he took on diverse roles, such as a school advisor and director of salt mines, while continuing to publish significant works until his death in 1777. Haller's legacy encompasses both his scientific research and his literary contributions, making him a prominent figure in the fields of medicine and poetry.
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Albrecht von Haller
Biologist
- Born: October 16, 1708
- Birthplace: Bern, Switzerland
- Died: December 12, 1777
- Place of death: Bern, Switzerland
Biography
Albrecht von Haller was born in 1708 in Switzerland. He was the fifth child of a wealthy Swiss lawyer. After attending schools in Bernese, Haller studied medicine at the University of Tubingen in 1723. Haller also spent some time studying at the University of Leyden. He earned his doctorate in 1727. That same year, Haller spent a sort amount of time in England and Paris studying anatomy and surgical instruction. After his travels, Haller returned home and practiced medicine for the next eight years. After eight years of private practice, Haller took up the position of chair of medicine, anatomy, surgery and botany at the University of Gottingen. Haller would hold this particular position for seventeen years.
During this time, Haller also began to write and publish poetry. In 1732, he published the Versuch schweizerischer Gedichten. While it was his first literary contribution, it was hardly his last or most important. After leaving the University of Gottingen, Haller decided to dedicate his time to writing and medical research. During this period, he published over twenty volumes on anatomy, botany, surgery, and medicine. His research on the irritability of tissue led to his publication of Primae lineae physiologiae in usum praelectionum academicarum in 1747.
Later in his life, Haller held a number of odd jobs and positions. He served as a school advisor, chief of an orphanage, and director of salt mines, among other jobs. Also, later in his life, Haller published other works, including Usong in 1771 and Alfred in 1773. Haller died in 1777, after a series of illnesses.