Hermann Boerhaave's primary importance to medicine was as a teacher. He was the first person to develop a modern system of clinical teaching based on bedside observation of the patient. His skills as a teacher drew students from all over Europe who then carried his ideas about medical training back to their native countries.

Born in Voorhout, Netherlands in 1668, Hermann Boerhaave was a perfect example of the well-educated humanist Renaissance man. He spoke all the major European languages and lectured in Latin. He studied classical literature, mathematics, chemistry, botany, medicine, and anatomy, receiving a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Leiden in 1689 and a doctorate in medicine from Harderwyck in 1693.

Spending his entire professional career at the University of Leiden, Boerhaave served, starting in 1701, as professor of medicine and of botany, rector of the university, professor of practical medicine and professor of chemistry. He almost single-handedly was...