Friedrich Hoffmann (1660-1742), German physician and chemist, known for his systematic model of medicine based on the premise that health was the result of normal movement and disease was the result of disturbed movement. He saw human body as a hydraulic machine. He explained his views on iatromechanical medicine in Fundamenta medicinae, 1695. Hoffmann's work helped shift medical research away from the Galenic model of humors toward neuromuscular action and sensibility. As the first professor of medicine at the University of Halle, Hoffmann gave lectures on chemistry, physics, anatomy, surgery, and medical practice. He was widely respected as a teacher.
- Medal
Bronze. Germany 1823. Signed. Posthumous. Issued for Durand’s “Series Numismatica Universalis Virorum Illustrium.”
- Size
41mm
- Artist
B. Wolf, German medallist of the early part of the nineteenth century about whom very little is known. He worked chiefly in Paris since all his medals were contributed to Durand’s series. (Forrer 6, 525)
- Obverse
Clothed bust to left, wearing coat with four button-holes visible, long curls falling over shoulders; below truncation, WOLF F.; in a curve along edge at left and right, FRIDERICUS HOFFMANNUS
- Reverse
In six parallel lines, NATUS/ HALAE / IN MAGEDEBURGICA / AN.M.DC.LX. / OBIIT/ AN.M.DCC.XLII.; in exergue, SERIES NUMISMATICA / UNIVERSALIS VIRORUM ILLUSTRIUM; below separated by a mark, M.DCCC.XXIII.; at bottom, curved inwards, DURAND EDIDIT
- Ref
Freeman 247; Storer 1567