Medical and Medical History
Reflections and stories about medicine and medical history. I am no medical historian. I am simply a craftsman, curious about the giants on whose shoulders my craft stands, and the history and genesis of the tools and techniques we use today. I also believe, that only a reflection of the mistakes of the past can prevent more of those in the future.
Feb 14, 2020 Willem Johan (Pim) Kolff (February 14, 1911 – February 11, 2009)
Know what’s hardcore? Being an active resistance fighter against the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, that’s hardcore. If, by the by, during that time you also start the first blood bank in Europe, build the first dialysis machine from car parts and juice cans, and hide a Jewish colleague and his son from SS officers, you’re ultra hardcore.
Approximately 2 minutes to read
Jan 27, 2020 Dr. Gabriele Barbara Maria Possanner von Ehrenthal (27 January 1860 – 14 March 1940)
A fighter, the first female physician in Austria
Approximately 3 minutes to read
Jan 26, 2020 Wilder Penfield (January 26, 1891 – April 5, 1976)
He invented new methods to map the brain. He perfected wake-patient brain surgeries. He began the work that explains hallucinations and brought forward the framework showing how deja vu works. He started the field of neuropsychology.
Approximately 4 minutes to read
Nov 23, 2019 Fear
The strange case of a man who knew no fear and, yet, knew it too damn well.
Approximately 3 minutes to read
Sep 14, 2019 Åke Senning (14 September 1915 – 21 July 2000)
The inventor of the implantable pacemaker and first physician in Europe to transplant a heart was a reluctant physician.
Approximately 2 minutes to read
Jan 28, 2019 James Miranda Steuart Barry (c. 1789 – 25 July 1865)
Barry was conundrum wrapped in a riddle. He was larger than life, got punched by Nightingale, and yet he managed to keep his best kept secret, secret.
Approximately 8 minutes to read
Apr 11, 2016 Annie, are you OK? Or: L'Inconnue de la Seine and how she's saving lives
A story so weird, you'll need CPR.
Approximately 4 minutes to read
Nov 3, 2014 The Lecter Joke – Fava Beans, Chianti, and Liver
The writers left a little easter egg in the Silence of the Lambs
Approximately 1 minute to read