Last update:
08-Sep-2020

Giulio Bizzozero (20 March 1846–8 April 1901) was an eminent Italian pathologist, the first microscopist to describe the role of platelets as the third morphological element of the blood. He also made innovative discoveries about the haematopoietic function of the bone marrow, the histological structure of the epidermis, phagocytosis and many other original intuitions. Since the beginning, his career was extremely productive: for his valuable research work, at the age of 26 he was appointed full Professor of General Pathology at the University of Turin, Italy. Here he emphasised the use of microscopy against the outdated vision of old academics and promulgated experimental methods in opposition to the vitalistic philosophy of the time. Bizzozero's revolutionary vision of medicine aimed to allow every scientist to reach new discoveries in their field, which were previously the privilege of an elite, making him a model both as a doctor and as a humanist. The advancement of his studies and the development of the art of microscopy led to the publishing of his masterpiece "Manuale di Microscopia Clinica" (Handbook of Clinical Microscopy) in 1879. In that, he underlined how the microscopic examination of the urine gave physicians of the time indicative criteria of kidney alterations, often essential for diagnosis. The author makes a detailed analysis of the methods of his time, laying the foundations for modern microscopy and the diagnosis of renal diseases. During his career, he was elected president of many medical societies and was an active member of several public health commissions. The contribution of this esteemed scientist was significant both in expanding knowledge within the scientific community and in promoting the public understanding of the benefits of medicine.

Key words: Giulio Bizzozero, Manuale di Microscopia Clinica, Platelets as the third morphological elements, University of Turin, Bizzozero's Biography.