Antonius Mathijsen

Antonius Mathijsen (4 November 1805 – 15 June 1878) was a Dutch military surgeon who is best known for inventing the plaster of Paris cast for the treatment of broken bones. Born in Budel, the Netherlands, Mathijsen began his medical studies at the age of 19 in Brussels and later served as a surgeon in the Dutch army.

Early Life and Education

Antonius Mathijsen was born in Budel, a small town in the southern part of the Netherlands. He was the son of a local doctor, which influenced his early interest in medicine. In 1824, he commenced his medical education in Brussels, which was then part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. After completing his studies, Mathijsen joined the Dutch army as a military surgeon.

Career and Invention

Throughout his career, Mathijsen was stationed in various locations, including the Dutch East Indies, where he gained significant experience in treating battlefield injuries. It was during his service that he observed the limitations of the existing methods for treating broken bones, which primarily involved the use of wooden splints.

In 1851, Mathijsen introduced the use of plaster of Paris as a casting material. He discovered that plaster of Paris could be wrapped in bandages and then moistened, allowing it to harden and form a sturdy, yet lightweight cast. This method proved to be a significant advancement in orthopedic treatment, as it allowed for better immobilization of broken bones and thus improved healing.

Mathijsen published his findings in a medical journal, which quickly gained attention among the medical community. The use of plaster of Paris casts became widespread, revolutionizing the treatment of fractures and other orthopedic injuries.

Legacy

Antonius Mathijsen's invention of the plaster cast remains one of the most significant contributions to the field of orthopedics. His method is still in use today, albeit with some modifications and improvements. Mathijsen's work laid the foundation for modern fracture treatment, making him a pivotal figure in medical history.

Mathijsen passed away in 1878 in Hamont, Belgium. His legacy is commemorated in the Netherlands and Belgium, where he is celebrated as a pioneer in medical innovation.

See Also

• Orthopedics
• Military medicine
• History of medicine