Theodor Billroth

Theodor Billroth
Born
Christian Albert Theodor Billroth

(1829-04-26)26 April 1829
Died6 February 1894(1894-02-06) (aged 64)
EducationUniversity of Greifswald, University of Göttingen, University of Berlin
Known forBeing the founding father of modern abdominal surgery
First successful gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Applying scientific methods to musicality
Medical career
ProfessionSurgeon
InstitutionsSurgical hospital and clinic, Zurich
University of Zurich
Allgemeine Krankenhaus
University of Vienna
Sub-specialtiesAbdominal surgery

Christian Albert Theodor Billroth (26 April 1829 – 6 February 1894) was a one of the most eminent surgeons of the 19th century, with his main contributions in gastrectomy, laryngectomy and anatomical pathology and is generally regarded as the founding father of modern abdominal surgery.

As early as 1874 he discovered the bacteriostatic effects of penicillium , which makes him the primary discoverer of penicillin.

He was a close friend and confidant of Johannes Brahms, a leading patron of the Viennese musical scene, and one of the first to attempt a scientific analysis of musicality.