Amatus Lusitanus

In Dioscorides Enarationes, Amatus Lusitanus

Nt-amato-lusitano

Amatus Lusitanus (1511–1568) was a prominent Portuguese Jewish physician and anatomist during the Renaissance. Born João Rodrigues de Castelo Branco in Castelo Branco, Portugal, he is best known for his contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the practice of post-mortem examinations and the discovery of the venous valves in the human body.

Early Life and Education

Amatus Lusitanus was born into a family of New Christians (converted Jews) in a period of intense Inquisition activity in Portugal. To pursue his passion for medicine, he left Portugal for the more tolerant atmosphere of Salamanca, Spain, where he studied at the University of Salamanca. His Jewish heritage forced him to lead a life on the move, seeking refuge from the Inquisition in various parts of Europe.

Career

After completing his studies, Amatus Lusitanus practiced medicine in several countries, including Spain, Italy, and the Ottoman Empire. He gained a reputation as a skilled physician and was known for his diagnostic acumen and innovative treatment methods. His travels and medical practice across different cultures enriched his understanding and approach to medicine.

One of his significant contributions to medicine was his detailed descriptions of the venous valves, which he published in his series of books titled Centuria. The Centuria comprised seven volumes of medical case studies, observations, and discoveries, which were highly regarded by his contemporaries and significantly influenced the field of medicine.

Legacy

Amatus Lusitanus is remembered as a pioneer in the use of post-mortem examinations to understand diseases and their treatments. His work on venous valves preceded the discoveries of William Harvey regarding the circulation of blood, contributing to the foundational knowledge that would lead to the modern understanding of the cardiovascular system.

Despite his forced nomadic life due to religious persecution, Amatus Lusitanus's contributions to medicine were recognized across Europe. His works were widely read and continued to influence medicine long after his death.

Death

Amatus Lusitanus died in 1568 in Thessaloniki, then part of the Ottoman Empire, where he had found refuge among the Sephardic Jewish community. His legacy lives on through his writings and the medical innovations he introduced.

See Also

• History of medicine
• Renaissance medicine
• Sephardic Jews
• Inquisition