Abstract

LOPEZ PINERO, José María. Juan Bautista Juanini: Chemical analysis of the air pollution in Madrid (1679). Rev. Esp. Salud Publica [online]. 2006, vol.80, n.2, pp.201-204. ISSN 2173-9110.

The first in a series of highlights from public health classics in Spain features the Milanese-born physician Juan Bautista Juanini, who authored the book Discurso in 1679 on the chemical analysis of the air pollution in Madrid, which was translated into French in 1685. Juanini was a follower of the yatrochemical system, although his work was not however confined to subserviently copying the doctrines of Thomas Willis and François de le Boe (Sylvius). He incorporated different new aspects, the most important of which having been John Mayow's theory of the «spiritus nitro-aeriens»', a formulation predating the discovery of oxygen, of which he was one of the staunchest defenders in Europe. Juanini contributed decisively to the scientific renewal of Spanish medicine. His Discurso was the first totally «modern» medical book published in our country, many aspects of the Novator (Innovator) Movement initiated eight years later having first been outlined therein.

Keywords : Public Health; Spain; Hystory of Medicine.

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