1478?-1553

Italian Physician

Girolamo Fracastoro was born in Verona, Italy, in or near 1478 (historical sources differ on this). Although his family was untitled by the crown, they were nonetheless an old family with a history of several prosperous generations. Fracastoro enjoyed a sheltered childhood, living on the family estate, Incaffi, which was situated on Lake Garda and located about 15 miles (24.1 km) from the city of Verona.

Although his greatest recognition came from his medical discoveries, Fracastoro had many other academic gifts. His father was his first instructor in philosophy and literature, but he went on to the University of Padua where he studied astronomy, mathematics, more philosophy and literature, and finally earned his M.D. degree in 1502.

In that same year he began teaching philosophy at the university, but engaged in the private practice of medicine in Verona. Eventually he became interested in medical research, specifically...