William Harvey

It is not possible nor have I attempted in this account of Harvey to add much that is new. My endeavour has been to give a picture of the man and to explain in his own words for they are always simple racy and untechnical the discovery which has placed him in the forefront of the Masters of Medicine.The kindness of Professor George Darwin F.R.S. and of Professor Villari has introduced me to Professor Carlo Ferraris the Rector Magnificus and to Dr. Girardi the Librarian of the University of Padua. These gentlemen at my request have examined afresh the records of the University and have given me much information about Harvey’s stay there. The Cambridge Archæological Society has laid me under[x] an obligation by allowing me to reproduce the Stemma which still commemorates Harvey’s official connection with the great Italian University. Dr. Norman Moore has read the proof sheets; his kindly criticism and accurate knowledge have added greatly to the value of the work and he has lent me the block which illustrates the vileness of Harvey’s handwriting.