Albrecht von Haller, a renowned physician, botanist, and poet, is best known for his groundbreaking observations in the fields of neurology and physiology. Despite a challenging upbringing, Haller’s passion for languages and biographies led him to compile a collection at a young age. Inspired by his mentor, Herman Boerhaave, Haller pursued a career in medicine, traveling to various places to expand his knowledge. Alongside his medical pursuits, Haller developed a deep interest in botany, becoming a respected botanist of the eighteenth century. His talent for poetry also flourished, with his diverse themes reflecting his research in botany. Haller’s contributions to anatomy, particularly his discovery of the autonomous function of the heart, revolutionized the field of neurology and physiology. Join us as we explore Haller’s other valuable contributions to natural science.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Victor Albrecht von Haller
- Died At Age: 69
- Died on: December 12, 1777
- Place of Death: Bern
- City: Bern, Switzerland
- Education: University of Tübingen, Leiden University
Childhood & Early Life
Albrecht von Haller was born on 16th October, 1708, in Bern, Switzerland. His parents were Niklaus Emanuel Haller and Anna Maria Engel. He had five siblings and after the death of his mother, his father remarried Salome Neuhaus. Albrecht was initially taught by a former pastor and later attended a school in Bern. He was frequently ill and couldn’t participate in outdoor activities much. However, he developed an interest in languages and had a talent for them, particularly Hebrew, Greek, and Chaldee. He also compiled a collection of biographies of notable historical figures during his early childhood.
Education and Early Career
From 1722-23, Albrecht stayed at his step-uncle’s house in Beil, where he received lessons in philosophy and other subjects from his uncle Johann Rudolf Neuhaus, who was a physician. Although he was not interested in philosophy, Albrecht was determined to become a physician. He also wrote poetry during this time. In December 1723, he enrolled at the University of Tübingen to study medicine. He then joined the Leiden University in 1725, where he had the opportunity to learn from renowned individuals like Boerhaave and Albinus. In 1727, he graduated from the university by defending his thesis on the salivary duct.
Travels and Further Studies
After completing his studies, Albrecht traveled to London, where he met and learned from notable physicians and scientists. He then went to Paris to study under Jacob Winslow and Henri François Le Dran. In 1728, he moved to Basel and continued his studies in mathematics under John Bernoulli. It was during this time that he developed an interest in botany and collected plant species during his travels through places like Baden, Savoy, and various Cantons of Switzerland.
Career and Achievements
While pursuing his studies, Albrecht also engaged in literary pursuits and wrote the poem “Die Alpen” in 1729, based on his journey through the Alps. He worked as a physician in Bern and published his book “Gedichte” in 1732, which included the poem “Die Alpen.” In 1736, he moved to Germany and became the chairperson of the botany, medicine, surgery, and anatomy department at the University of Göttingen. He was also elected to the cantonal council of Bern during his time at Göttingen. Albrecht was recognized for his contributions and became a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1743. He was also inducted into the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1747 and was later promoted to a noble rank.
In 1753, Albrecht resigned from his position at the University of Göttingen and returned to Bern. He became involved in political affairs and was elected to the office of Rathausammann. He continued his botanical research and wrote poetry during this time. He published several books, including “Onomatologia medica completa” in 1755, “Historia stirpium indigenarum Helvetiae inchoata” in 1768, and “Ode sur les Alpes.” In 1771-72, he wrote “Bibliotheca botanica,” which contains his research and observations on botany.
Contributions and Legacy
Albrecht von Haller made significant contributions to the field of physiology, particularly in the study of the muscle and nervous system. His observations laid the foundation for modern neurology. He also studied and understood the respiratory process and the independent functioning of the heart. Albrecht married three times and had eight children, two of whom became botanists. He passed away on 12th December, 1777, in Bern. His works, including “Materia medica oder Geschichte der Arzneyen des Pflanzenreichs” and “Histoire des Plantes suisses ou Matiere médicale et de l’Usage économique des Plantes par M. Alb. de Haller … Traduit du Latin,” were published posthumously. The botanist Carl Linnaeus named a shrub as “Halleria” in honor of Albrecht von Haller.