Willem Piso

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Willem Piso

Dutch physician and naturalist

Born	1611
Birth place	Leiden, Dutch Republic
Died	November 28, 1678
Place of death	Amsterdam, Dutch Republic
Nationality	Dutch
Known for	Work in Brazil, "Historia Naturalis Brasiliae"

Willem Piso (1611 – November 28, 1678) was a Dutch physician and naturalist, renowned for his pioneering work in tropical medicine and natural history during the 17th century. Piso is best known for his contributions to the understanding of the flora and fauna of Brazil, as well as his role in the publication of the influential work "Historia Naturalis Brasiliae."

Early Life and Education

Willem Piso was born in 1611 in Leiden, a city in the Dutch Republic. He pursued his medical studies at the University of Leiden, one of the leading centers of learning in Europe at the time. Piso was trained in the Galenic tradition of medicine, which was prevalent in Europe during the 17th century.

Career and Contributions

Expedition to Brazil

In 1637, Piso was appointed as the personal physician to Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen, the governor of the Dutch colony in Brazil. Piso traveled to Brazil as part of a larger scientific expedition organized by the Dutch West India Company. This expedition aimed to explore and document the natural resources of the colony.

During his time in Brazil, Piso conducted extensive research on the local flora and fauna, as well as the diseases prevalent in the region. He collaborated with the German naturalist Georg Marcgrave, who was also part of the expedition. Together, they collected and described numerous plant and animal species, many of which were previously unknown to European science.

"Historia Naturalis Brasiliae"

Piso's most significant contribution to science was his work on the "Historia Naturalis Brasiliae," published in 1648. This monumental work was a comprehensive account of the natural history of Brazil, covering topics such as botany, zoology, and medicine. Piso's sections of the book focused on the medicinal properties of Brazilian plants and the treatment of tropical diseases.

The "Historia Naturalis Brasiliae" was one of the first detailed studies of the natural history of a tropical region and had a lasting impact on the fields of botany and medicine. It introduced many new species to European scientists and provided valuable insights into the use of local plants in traditional medicine.

Legacy

Willem Piso is remembered as a pioneer in the field of tropical medicine and natural history. His work laid the foundation for future studies of tropical diseases and the medicinal use of plants. Piso's contributions to the "Historia Naturalis Brasiliae" continue to be recognized as a significant achievement in the history of science.

Also see

• Georg Marcgrave
• Historia Naturalis Brasiliae
• Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen
• Dutch West India Company
• University of Leiden