Swiss-born physiologist and physician Jean-Louis Prévost was a pioneer in the anatomy of the reproductive system, as well as hematology, or study of the blood. Prévost's discoveries in the early half of the nineteenth century paved the way for later revelations about reproduction and blood transfusion.

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Prévost as a child had the privilege of knowing outstanding naturalists of the day, such as François and Jean-Pierre Huber and Jean Senebier. In the early years of the nineteenth century, it was not unusual for young men to begin studies in theology and later turn to medicine. One of the great educational centers for theology was the University of Paris, and Prévost attended there two years before transferring to the University at Edinburgh, Scotland. He attended Edinburgh from 1816-1818, where he received his doctor of medicine. The...