Profession: pathologist

Morgagni was a founder of modern pathology; his magnum opus, immensely influential, was translated into the major European languages. Valsalva was one of his teachers — their friendship was critical to Morgagni’s career, Morgagni assisting then succeeding him, and editing his works. Boerhaave, Réaumur and Haller (who called him his master) were among his correspondents, and Scarpa probably the most notable of his students. Incidentally, Lorenzo da Ponte attended his last series of lectures and later told ‘many charming stories’ about him; suggesting (though it is unclear) a genuine mutual connection.