The hygienist and sociologist Louis-René Villermé (1782-1863): a pioneer of occupational medicine.

Authors: Tsoucalas G,Kousoulis AA,Karamanou M,Stamboulis E,Androutsos G,
Address: History of Medicine Department, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Journal: Med Lav.

Publication: 2012 Jul-Aug;103(4):243-8.

abstract

BACKGROUND:

Louis-René Villermé's work and research have ranked him among The most important figures in the history of occupational medicine.

OBJECTIVES:

The aims of this article were to objectively record the influence and the impact of Villermé's life and work on the establishment of occupational medicine.

METHODS:

A thorough analysis of scientific and historical literature on the subject was conducted. The authors paid special attention to primary French sources.

RESULTS:

Louis-René Villermé was born in Paris in 10 March 1782. Taking advantage of his good fortune and financial prosperity, due to the recognition of his initial work, he progressed efficiently and with decision towards a new way of thinking. He stressed the importance of observation of the social environment, the role of investigations on lack of hygiene, the significance of statistical recording and the study of demographic statistics, and devoted himself to the labour force's health problems. He died in his homestead on 16 November 1863.

CONCLUSIONS:

Villermé lived an intense life full of activity, social work and travel. His support of the working classes' rights, his opposition to child labour and gender inequality, and his fight for humane conditions in prisons remain diachronic ideals. He provided a reference model for socio-medical research and contributed to the establishment of the new scientific discipline, Occupational Medicine.

Related Articles
Louis-Rene Villerme (1782-1863), a pioneer in social epidemiology: re-analysis of his data on comparative mortality in Paris in the early 19th century.
J Epidemiol Community Health. 2011
Louis-Rene Villerme (1782-1863), a pioneer in social epidemiology: re-analysis of his data on comparative mortality in Paris in the early 19th century.
Julia C, Valleron AJ. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2011 Aug; 65(8):666-70. Epub 2009 Sep 18.
[The origin of informed consent].
Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2005
[The origin of informed consent].
Mallardi V. Acta Otorhinolaryngol Ital. 2005 Oct; 25(5):312-27.
Chronologic history of occupational medicine.
J Occup Environ Med. 2005
Chronologic history of occupational medicine.
Gochfeld M. J Occup Environ Med. 2005 Feb; 47(2):96-114.
Review [Scientific standards in parasitology in historical perspective].
Wiad Parazytol. 2005
Review [Scientific standards in parasitology in historical perspective].
Lonc E, Płonka-Syroka B. Wiad Parazytol. 2005; 51(3):197-207.
Review Figures and Institutions of the neurological sciences in Paris from 1800 to 1950. Part IV: Psychiatry and psychology.
Rev Neurol (Paris). 2012
Review Figures and Institutions of the neurological sciences in Paris from 1800 to 1950. Part IV: Psychiatry and psychology.
Poirier J, Clarac F, Barbara JG, Broussolle E. Rev Neurol (Paris). 2012 May; 168(5):389-402. Epub 2012 May 1.

To top • Home

TraveldoctorOnline 2001 • Disclaimer • webmaster

The contents within traveldoctoronline are presented only for informational purposes and cannot substitute for professional health care or any other medical treatment.All users of this website with health problems should be oblige always to consult their medical doctor before starting any treatment.