Felix Vicq-d'Azyr – Physician, Scientist, Reformer

Felix Vicq-d'Azyr (1748-1794) – an encyclopedic scientist of the Enlightenment, a medical practitioner, anatomist, and social reformer, who lived a short, selfless life that ended during the firestorm of the French Revolution. He is one of the founders of comparative anatomy and the discoverer of the phenomenon of homology. Vicq-d'Azyr is known for his contributions to the study of the brain anatomy; some structures of the brain are named after him. Vicq-d'Azyr made an invaluable contribution to the fight against cattle epizootics and to the principles of maintaining sanitary and hygienic standards in high-density residential areas. He was one of the founders of the Royal Society of Medicine of France, as well as the author and co-author of significant medical publications in general therapeutic and surgical areas. His research studies on pathological anatomy, the history of medicine, and ideas for educational reforms are also noteworthy. Although Vicq-d’Azyr lived only 46 years, he left behind an extensive theoretical and practical scientific heritage.