Gaspar Casal facts for kids
Gaspar Roque Francisco Narciso Casal Julian (born December 31, 1681 – died August 10, 1759) was an important Spanish doctor. He is best known for describing a disease called pellagra and a specific symptom of it, which is now known as the Casal collar.
Gaspar Casal's Early Life
Gaspar Casal was born in Girona, a city in Catalonia, Spain. His parents were Federico Casal y Dajón and Magdalena Julian. He grew up in a town called Utrillas. It is believed that he learned about medicine and pharmacy as an apprentice in Atienza. His teacher was Juan Manuel Rodriguez de Lima, who was a pharmacist for Pope Innocent XI.
A Doctor in Spain
Casal started practicing medicine in Oviedo in 1720. He worked there for many years, until 1751. After that, he moved to Madrid and became the personal doctor for King Ferdinand VI of Spain.
While in Madrid, he became good friends with two important thinkers, Father Benito Feyjóo y Montenegro and Father Martin Sarmiento. These friends encouraged Casal to continue his studies and research.
Discovering Pellagra
Gaspar Casal is most famous for his work on a disease he called mal de la rose. This name means "rose sickness" because people with the disease developed a red rash on their hands and feet, which looked like a rose. Today, we know this disease as pellagra.
He wrote about pellagra in a book published in 1762, after he had passed away. This book helped other doctors understand the disease better.
Casal also wrote about other health issues. In his book “Historia affectionum quarundam regionis hujus familiarum,” he described scabies, a skin condition. He also shared how to treat it using sulfur ointment. He also wrote about the natural history of the Asturias region, which was also published after his death.
Family Life
Gaspar Casal was married twice. His first wife was Maria Ruiz, and they had two sons together. After Maria passed away, he married Maria Álvarez Rodríguez Arango. With his second wife, he had two more children.
