José Celestino Mutis y los estudios médicos en la Nueva Granada

Abstract

This article is based on reports of José Celestino Mutis to the King of Spain, concerning the backward state of medical studies in the Spanish colony of Nueva Granada and the possible solutions for such situation; a recount is presented on medical studies and practice in Nueva Granada since 1652 until 1826 when General Francisco de Paula Santander issued a decree to regulate the development of education in Colombia; in its article N° 144 the medical education was considered with courses of General Anatomy, Pathologic Anatomy, Therapeutics and Pharmacy, Medical and Surgical Clinics, and Forensic Medicine; the physicians that contributed to the development of medicine and to the foundation of medical schools are briefly mentioned. A biographical sketch of José Celestino Mutis is also included.