Willem Piso

Willem Piso

Willem Piso

Willem Piso (1611 – November 28, 1678) was a Dutch physician and naturalist who is best known for his work in Brazil during the period of Dutch colonial rule. He was a pioneer in the field of tropical medicine and made significant contributions to the understanding of the flora and fauna of the region.

Early Life and Education

Willem Piso was born in Leiden, Netherlands, in 1611. He studied medicine at the University of Leiden, where he was influenced by the teachings of Herman Boerhaave and other prominent physicians of the time. Piso's education provided him with a strong foundation in the medical sciences, which he later applied to his work in Brazil.

Expedition to Brazil

In 1637, Piso was appointed as the chief physician to the Dutch West India Company and was sent to Brazil as part of the entourage of Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen, the governor of Dutch Brazil. During his time in Brazil, Piso conducted extensive research on the local plants and animals, as well as the diseases that affected the indigenous populations and European settlers.

Contributions to Tropical Medicine

Piso is considered one of the founders of tropical medicine. He was among the first to systematically study the diseases prevalent in tropical climates and to document the medicinal properties of native plants. His observations and treatments were compiled in the seminal work Historia Naturalis Brasiliae.

Historia Naturalis Brasiliae

Historia Naturalis Brasiliae

Published in 1648, Historia Naturalis Brasiliae was a collaborative work between Piso and the German naturalist Georg Marcgrave. The book is a comprehensive account of the natural history of Brazil, covering a wide range of topics including botany, zoology, and medicine. Piso's contributions focused on the medicinal uses of plants and the treatment of diseases such as malaria and dysentery.

Later Life and Legacy

After returning to the Netherlands, Piso continued to practice medicine and write about his experiences in Brazil. He became a respected figure in the medical community and his work influenced future generations of physicians and naturalists. Piso's pioneering research laid the groundwork for the development of tropical medicine as a distinct field of study.

Pisonis Indiae Utriusque

Related Pages

• Georg Marcgrave
• Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen
• Dutch Brazil
• Tropical medicine