Origins & Early Life

Conrad Gessner (; Latin: Conradus Gesnerus; 26 March 1516 – 13 December 1565) was a Swiss physician, naturalist, bibliographer, and philologist. Born into a poor family in Zurich, Switzerland, his father and teachers quickly realised his talents and supported him through university, where he studied classical languages, theology and medicine. He became Zurich's city physician, but was able to spend much of his time on collecting, research and writing. Gessner compiled monumental works on bibliography (Bibliotheca universalis 1545–1549) and zoology (Historia animalium 1551–1558) and was working on a major botanical text at the time of his death from plague at the age of 49.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He is regarded as the father of modern scientific bibliography, zoology and botany. He was frequently the first to describe species of plants or animals in Europe, such as the tulip in 1559. A number of plants and animals have been named after him. Conrad Gessner was born on 26 March 1516, in Zurich, Switzerland, the son of Ursus Gessner, a poor Zurich furrier. His early life was one of poverty and hardship, but Gessner's father realized his talents, and sent him to live with and be schooled by a great...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Bayinnaung — Contemporary (Born in 1516) (1516): Emperor of the Toungoo Dynasty, who forged the largest empire in Southeast Asian history.
• Ferdinand II of Aragon — Contemporary (Died in 1516) (1516): Co-ruler with Isabella I, establishing the foundation of the Spanish Monarchy.
• Giovanni Bellini — Contemporary (Died in 1516) (1516): Master of the Venetian School, renowned for luminous oil painting.
• Henry Hudson — Contemporary (Born in 1565) (1565): English explorer famed for charting the Hudson River and Hudson Bay.
• Luís Vaz de Torres — Contemporary (Born in 1565) (1565): Galician maritime explorer famed for navigating the strait between Australia and New Guinea.
• Pedro Fernandes de Queirós — Contemporary (Born in 1565) (1565): Portuguese navigator renowned for Pacific voyages and search for Terra Australis.
• Alan Arkin — Shared historical date (03-26 · Born) (1934): Esteemed American actor, filmmaker, and musician with a seven-decade career.
• Alan Silvestri — Shared historical date (03-26 · Born) (1950): Award-winning composer renowned for epic film scores, especially for blockbuster franchises.
• Archie Moore — Shared historical date (12-13 · Born) (1913): Legendary American boxer, known for his longevity and strategic defense.
• Ben Bernanke — Shared historical date (12-13 · Born) (1953): Renowned economist, former Fed Chair, and Nobel laureate specializing in financial crises.
• 1516 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1516
• March 26 (03-26) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on March 26
• 1565 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1565
• December 13 (12-13) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on December 13