Welcome to the wonderful world of William Harvey, the English physician who revolutionised our understanding of the human body and made a lasting impact on the history of medicine. Born in Folkestone, Kent in 1578, Harvey went on to study at Cambridge and Padua before making a groundbreaking discovery about the circulation of blood. His achievements earned him a number of honours and awards, and his legacy lives on in the form of famous quotes and publications. In addition to his medical pursuits, Harvey was a man of many interests, from literature to art and music. In this article, we will explore the life and times of William Harvey, from his humble beginnings to his death and burial.
A Hearty Welcome to the World of William Harvey
William Harvey is best known as the English physician who gave us a revolutionary insight into the workings of the human body. His discoveries about the circulation of blood earned him a place in the annals of medical history as one of the most influential figures of the 17th century.
The Early Years: Growing Up in Folkestone
Harvey was born on 1 April 1578 in Folkestone, Kent, the eldest son of Thomas Harvey, a wealthy merchant. His education began at the King’s School in Canterbury before he went on to study at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge in 1593. He then enrolled at the University of Padua in Italy, one of the most prestigious medical schools of the time.
Medicine was his Calling: Studying at Cambridge and Padua
Harvey’s studies at Cambridge and Padua were primarily focused on medicine, and he was particularly interested in anatomy and physiology. He was deeply influenced by the works of Aristotle, Hippocrates and Galen, and he developed a keen interest in dissection and experimentation.
Harvey’s Momentous Discovery: The Circulation of Blood
In 1628, Harvey published his seminal work, "De Motu Cordis" (On the Motion of the Heart and Blood in Animals). This was a groundbreaking study of the circulation of blood in the body, and it revolutionised our understanding of the human body.
A Life of High Achievements and Honours
Harvey’s discovery earned him a number of honours and awards, including a knighthood from King Charles I and the position of Physician-in-Ordinary to King Charles II. He also served as President of the Royal College of Physicians.
Harvey’s Legacy: Famous Quotes and Publications
Harvey’s discovery of the circulation of blood has had a lasting impact on the history of medicine. His famous quotes, such as "I have discovered the secret of life," have become part of medical lore, and his publications have been widely read and studied by generations of medical students.
The Story of William Harvey in Art and Literature
The life and work of William Harvey has been memorialised in various forms of art and literature. He has been the subject of plays, paintings and sculptures, and his story has been told in books, films and television programmes.
A Man of Many Talents: Harvey’s Interests Beyond Medicine
Harvey was a man of many interests and talents. He was an avid reader, with a love of literature, music and art. He was also an accomplished horseman and a keen gardener.
The Final Chapter: Harvey’s Death and Burial
Harvey’s life came to an end on 3 June 1657, when he died of natural causes at the age of 79. He was buried in Hempstead Church in Essex.
A Lasting Tribute: Celebrating William Harvey’s Life
William Harvey’s life and work have been celebrated in various ways over the years, from memorials and statues to medical awards and scholarships. His discoveries continue to shape medical science to this day, and his legacy lives on in the form of famous quotes and publications.
From humble beginnings to a life of high achievement and honours, William Harvey will forever be remembered as one of the greatest figures in the history of medicine. His revolutionary discovery of the circulation of blood changed our understanding of the human body and opened up a world of possibilities in the field of medical research. As we look back on his life, we can be inspired by his accomplishments and celebrate his legacy.