Medieval Frenchman Guy de Chauliac is known as one of the most influential surgeons of the fourteenth century. Born into a peasant-class family in 1290, he was guided in his studies by the lords of Mercoeur. One of the most scholarly individuals of his time, Chauliac studied medicine first at Toulouse, then at Montpellier, and concluded his education at Bologna. With direction from his master Nicolaus Bertrucius (Bertrucio) at Bologna, Chauliac's knowlege of anatomy excelled his teacher's methods left such an impression on Chauliac that he often quoted him throughout his life. He left Bologna for Paris, then to Lyons where Chauliac was appointed canon (clergyman) of St. Just. Later appointments included canon of Rheims and of Mende. With Avignon being home of the popes at this time, Chauliac became private physician to several bishops, including: Clement VI (1342-1352); Innocent VI (1352-1362); and Urban V (1362-1370). As a valued...