Summary

Portrait medal of Jean François Fernel (1497-1558) by Alexis Depaulis. One of the Galerie Metallique des Grand Hommes Francais series. Minted in Paris, 1822.

Obverse Description

Capped and draped bust facing left; around, JEAN FERNEL; below in small lettering the artist's name, DEPAULIS. F.

Reverse Description

Legend in nine lines: NE / A CLERMONT / PRES BEAUVAIS / EN M.CCCC.XCVII. / MORT / EN M.D.LVIII. / GALERIE METALLIQUE / DES GRAND HOMMES FRANCAIS. / 1822.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

Jean François Fernel (in Latin, Fernelius) was a French physician who introduced the term "physiology" to describe the study of the body's function. At first he devoted himself to mathematical and astronomical studies; but later worked entirely in medicine. He became physician to the court. The lunar crater Fernelius is named after him.

Galerie Metallique Des Grands Hommes Francais: a large series of portrait medals produced in France beginning in 1816, by leading medallists of the day. At least 119 people were honoured.

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