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What did William Harvey do during the diplomatic mission to Ferdinand II in 1636?
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William Harvey
William Harvey.
In 1636, William Harvey served as the physician for a diplomatic mission sent to the Holy Roman emperor Ferdinand II. This journey, which involved nearly a year of travel across Europe, included the following activities:
- Scientific Demonstration: While in Nürnberg, Harvey met with the renowned professor of medicine Casper Hofmann and attempted to demonstrate his theory regarding the circulation of the blood.1
- Art Acquisition: Harvey visited Italy during the mission to search for paintings intended for the royal collection.1
This mission was part of his broader service as a physician to Charles I, whom he served faithfully throughout his career.1