REINER SOLENANDER (1524-1601): AN IMPORTANT 16th CENTURY MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AND HIS ORIGINAL REPORT OF VESALIUS’ DEATH IN 1564

Abstract

Reiner Solenander (1524-1601) was a physician born in the Duchy of Cleves, who got his education at the University of Leuven and at various universities in Italy and in France. Back at home he became the court physician of William V and later of his son John William. In this article his life and works are discussed. A report on the death of Andreas Vesalius (1514-1564), noted down by Solenander in May 1566, one year and seven months after the death of Vesalius, is discussed in detail. Due to the importance of that document a copy of its first publication is given, together with a transcription and a translation as well. It indicates that Vesalius did not die in a shipwreck.

Key words: Solenander; Mercator; Vesalius; Zakynthos