Johann Von Zimmermann Swiss physician-philosopher of the 18th century Date of Birth: 08.12.1728 Country: Switzerland

1. Biography of Johann Georg Ritter von Zimmermann
2. Early Life and Education
3. Medical and Research Career
4. Political and Literary Contributions

Biography of Johann Georg Ritter von Zimmermann

Johann Georg Ritter von Zimmermann, a Swiss physician and philosopher of the 18th century, can be considered a portrait of the 18th century. Born in Switzerland and educated in Göttingen, he served as the personal physician to George III and treated the Prussian Emperor Frederick II. He was a member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences and valued solitude above all else. Zimmermann's medical writings served as a handbook for practicing physicians, his memoirs of the last period of Frederick III's life became invaluable to historians, and his philosophical treatise "On Solitude" still retains its value. Zimmermann's aphorisms are popular on internet search engines.

Early Life and Education

Johann Georg Zimmermann was born on December 8, 1728, in the Swiss city of Brugg. Switzerland was the first European country to reject centralized power and feudal division. Due to his birthplace, Zimmermann was a citizen of the Aargau canton. Perhaps this is why the great philosopher and renowned physician usually excluded the components "Ritter von" from his name, which indicated his noble lineage. Zimmermann chose medicine as his profession and received his education at the renowned University of Göttingen in Germany. He was one of the favorite students of the Swiss poet, physician, and naturalist Haller. In 1751, after defending his dissertation on "De irritabilitate" ("On Irritability"), Zimmermann was awarded a doctorate in medicine. It was customary at the time to undertake a journey before beginning professional activities, and after a brief stay in the Netherlands and France, Johann Georg married and returned to his hometown of Brugg.

Medical and Research Career

Zimmermann combined his work as a practicing physician with scientific and research activities. In 1764, he published the book "Experiments in Medical Science," which became well-known throughout Europe. Zimmermann's contributions to biology led to the definition of several botanical taxa, the nomenclature of which still includes the abbreviation J.G.Zimm. However, his earliest work, which brought him fame among future generations, belongs to a completely different field of study. His four-volume philosophical treatise "On Solitude" was first published in 1775 and underwent several revisions and reprints. It brought the author not only European renown and the attention of future generations but also a reputation as an extravagant personality and a keen psychologist. At the same time, Zimmermann's authority as a professional physician was so high that in 1768 he was invited to Hanover, where he assumed the position of court physician to King George III of England. Subsequently, he received an invitation from Empress Catherine II of Russia, with whom Zimmermann corresponded. Although he declined the invitation, Johann Zimmermann accepted the position of foreign honorary member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, while continuing his work in medicine and biology.

Political and Literary Contributions

One of Zimmermann's works, "On National Pride" (1789), had a pronounced political character and expressed his protest against feudal division, national isolation, and religious obscurantism. However, perhaps the most notable contribution to the historical and philosophical literature came from his memoirs of the final period of the life of the Prussian Emperor Frederick II. These memoirs drew sharp criticism from the elite and fellow physicians and significantly tarnished Zimmermann's professional reputation. The critical reception of most of the philosopher's works was also influenced by his personal characteristics; even the poet Goethe called him "partially insane." The situation worsened in 1794 when French forces approached Hanover. Weakened by thoughts of losing his home and belongings, Johann Georg Zimmermann passed away on October 7, 1795. Among Zimmermann's literary legacy, which remains relevant to this day, his aphorisms hold the highest esteem. For example, one of his famous aphorisms states, "Having many good qualities is not enough to outweigh a single desire – the desire for money."