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August BecuPolish scientist-hygienist, professor
Date of Birth: 03.05.1775
Country:  Poland |
Content:
- August Becu
- Academic Career
- Vilnius Medical Society
- Contributions to Medicine
- Institute of Vaccination
- Death
August Becu
Early Life and EducationAugust Becu was born in Lithuania and attended the Main Vilnius School. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 1789 and a Doctor of Medicine in 1793.
Academic Career
Vilnius UniversityIn 1797, Becu joined the faculty of the Main School, which was later transformed into Vilnius University in 1803. He taught courses in pathology, therapy, pharmaceuticals, and physiology. He became the head of the Physiology Department in 1805 and the Department of Pathology and Hygiene in 1806.
Vilnius Medical Society
Becu was a co-founder of the Vilnius Medical Society in 1805 and served as its chairman from 1811. He also participated in the school commission from 1807–1812 and served as Superintendent of Schools in 1819.
Contributions to Medicine
VaccinationBecu was the first to practice smallpox vaccination in Lithuania after returning from Scotland in 1803. He published a work on vaccination entitled "O wakcynie czyli tak zwanei ospie krowiej" (1803).
Institute of Vaccination
In 1808, Becu and Professor Józef Frank established the Institute of Vaccination at the university clinic to train medical students in vaccination techniques.
Death
Becu died on September 7, 1824, according to the obituary published in the journal "Dziennik Wile?ski". His remains are buried in the Vilnius Ross Cemetery.
