Moriz Kaposi, a Hungarian who devoted his professional life to the study of dermatology at the University of Vienna, was first to document nine previously unknown skin diseases. He educated a generation of distinguished academic dermatologists and laid the groundwork for subsequent researchers to study conditions such as Kaposi's sarcoma and lupus erythematosus.

Kaposi earned a medical degree in 1861 at the University of Vienna, where he studied with the dermatologist Ferdinand von Hebra. Kaposi went to work in Hebra's clinic and qualified as a privatdocent (lecturer) with a dissertation on the effect of syphilis on the mucous membranes. Eventually, Kaposi married Hebra's daughter. Hebra's death left Kaposi the heir apparent to the role of the most respected dermatologist in Vienna.

Kaposi's reputation brought students and patients from many countries. He trained dermatologists who went on to serve as chairmen of academic dermatology departments throughout Europe. With Hebra, Kaposi...