Marcello Malpighi was born, March 10, 1628. Mankind finds occasion to adjust its reminiscences to chronological periods. In the three hundred years since the founder of histology recorded his fundamental observations, much has been learned of the nature of tissues. The microscope has been highly developed during the passing of the centuries. All the more remarkable, therefore, were the studies made by the learned, sympathetic Italian physician—adventurer in the field of the unknown.
In a recent address before the students of the Long Island College Hospital, Prof. Giuseppe Franchini recapitulates the story of Malpighi's investigations and conveys a picture that constitutes a real contribution to the history of medicine. The medicine of 1628 was a far more personal profession than the abstract scientific investigation of today. The promulgator of new knowledge had to defend himself against the hatred, intrigue and petty jealousies of colleagues who were animated not only by