Rudolf Virchow

Rudolf Virchow[edit | edit source]

Rudolf Ludwig Karl Virchow. Photograph by J. C. Schaarwächte

Rudolf Virchow (13 October 1821 – 5 September 1902) was a German physician, anthropologist, pathologist, prehistorian, biologist, writer, editor, and politician. He is known as "the father of modern pathology" because his work helped to discredit humourism, bringing more science to medicine. He is also known as the founder of social medicine and veterinary pathology, and to his colleagues, the "Pope of medicine".

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Virchow was born on 13 October 1821 in Schivelbein, Pomerania, Prussia (now Świdwin, Poland). He was the only child of Carl Christian Siegfried Virchow and Johanna Maria née Hesse. His father was a farmer and the city treasurer. He studied medicine at the Friedrich Wilhelm University in Berlin, now known as the Humboldt University of Berlin, where he obtained his medical degree in 1843.

Career[edit | edit source]

Virchow is credited with several key discoveries. His most widely known scientific contribution is his cell theory, which built on the work of Theodor Schwann. He was one of the first to accept the work of Robert Remak, who showed the origins of cells.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Virchow left a legacy of notable sayings and ideas in medicine and pathology. The most famous of these is "Omnis cellula e cellula" ("Every cell originates from another existing cell like it"), a fundamental concept of cell theory. He died on 5 September 1902 in Berlin.

References[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

Rudolf Virchow Resources
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