Contributed by Komalpreet Tur, MD (cand)
Felix Platter was a well renowned Swiss anatomist, physician and professor born in October of 1536 in Basel.[1] His father was very passionate about the study of medicine and helped foster Platter's interest in the field.[1] In 1552, he began his study of medicine in Montpellier, and developed a passion for anatomy. As he continued to gain a deep understanding of the field of medicine, he received his doctorate at the age of 21.[1] After graduating, he moved back home to Basel.[1] His passion and compassion created a well-respected image among his colleagues, and he was also well-liked by medical students.[1]
He placed a large effort in restructuring the medical school to help foster curiosity and create knowledgeable and well equipped physician.[1] Of note, during the plague of 1563-1564 he was a leader in providing medical care to those who had fallen ill.[1] In 1571, he took on the role of Chair of the Practice of Medicine and was also appointed City Physician. [1]
Over the course of his extensive career, Platter became a well-known pioneer in various medical specialties such as Ophthalmology, Neurology, Pediatrics, and Endocrinology. [1,4] He published his findings in a series of medical writings. His love for anatomy helped others better understand the physiology and pathology of the human body.[1] In the field of Ophthalmology, Platter challenged the notion that the lens was the anatomical compartment that originated and transmitted visual signals to the brain.[6] In his anatomical drawing of the eye, platter shifted the lens closer to the iris. He was the first to suggest the retina and optic nerve’s importance in the direct transmission of visual signals to the brain, further advancing the understanding of the human eye.[3,6] This new understanding was further studied and developed by his successors.[3] Felix also played a role in understanding and describing floaters of the eye.[6]
“The principal organ of vision, namely the optic nerve, expands through the whole hemisphere of the retina as soon as it enters the eye. This receives and discriminates the form and colour of external objects which together with the light enter the eye through the opening of the pupil and are projected on it by the lens.” - Felix Platter
