Leopoldo Marco Antonio Caldani

Who was Leopoldo Marco Antonio Caldani?

Leopoldo Marco Antonio Caldani was an Italian anatomist and physiologist.

Caldani was born in Bologna, Italy. He studied medicine in Bologna, receiving his degree in 1750, and became a professor of practical medicine in 1755. Caldani left to become professor of theoretical medicine at Padua, and in 1771 became professor of anatomy, retiring in 1805.

He was a champion of Haller's theory of irritability and was noted for experimental studies on the function of the spinal cord and for the introduction of electricity in the physiology of the nerves. His most celebrated work is his anatomical atlas, in which he was aided by his nephew Floriano. He died in Padua, Italy in 1813.