Jean-Baptiste Bassand facts for kids

Jean Baptiste Bassand (born November 24, 1680, in Baume-les-Dames, France – died November 30, 1742, in Vienna, Austria) was a famous French doctor. He was well-known for exchanging letters with another important doctor, Herman Boerhaave. Bassand became a personal physician to powerful European leaders. He even helped cure members of royal families.

Jean Baptiste Bassand's Life

Early Life and Education

Jean Baptiste Bassand was born in a town called Baume-les-Dames in France. His father, Michael Bassand, was a merchant. Jean Baptiste was the youngest of seven children. His father wanted him to study science. So, Jean Baptiste went to study medicine in French cities like Besançon and Paris.

After his studies in France, he traveled to Naples, Italy. There, he worked in a hospital. He earned his medical degree, called a doctorate, in 1705 from Salerno. He continued his studies at the University of Leyden. There, he was a student of the famous doctor Herman Boerhaave. The two men often wrote letters to each other. They discussed topics about plants and medicine.

Working as a Doctor

After his studies, Bassand became a surgeon for the French army. He worked in a military hospital in Italy. However, he was not happy with his French leaders. So, he decided to work for the Austrians instead. He first worked as a general doctor in Vienna.

In 1717, he became a military surgeon for Prince Eugene of Savoy. This was during a war between the Ottomans and the Venetians. On October 26, 1720, he became a professor. He taught at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Vienna.

Doctor to Royalty

In 1724, Jean Baptiste Bassand became the personal doctor to Léopold Joseph de Lorraine. Léopold Joseph was a very important leader. In December 1727, Bassand successfully treated Léopold Joseph's oldest son, François-Étienne de Lorraine. The son had smallpox, a very serious disease.

Because he cured the prince, Bassand received a special honor. On March 23, 1728, he was given a noble title. He also became the doctor to the imperial court. This meant he was a doctor for the royal family. On October 21, he also became a counselor at the court.

Bassand also cured Léopold Joseph's brother, Charles-Alexandre de Lorraine, of smallpox. For this, he received an even higher title. On October 26, 1730, he became a Baron.

Travels and Recognition

Jean Baptiste Bassand traveled with the two nobles, François-Étienne and Charles-Alexandre. They rode horses through several European countries. In 1731, they visited Leyden. There, the nobles saw the botanical garden. They also met Bassand's former teacher, Herman Boerhaave.

On March 23, 1732, Bassand became a member of the Royal Society in London. This was a great honor for a scientist and doctor.