Autor: Giovanni Aldini

Giovanni Aldini, born on April 10, 1762, in Bologna, Italy, was a prominent figure in the world of science during the turn of the 19th century. A nephew of the famous Luigi Galvani, whose work in bioelectricity laid the foundation for the field, Aldini became a devoted proponent and researcher of galvanism. Aldini“s academic journey was marked by his appointment as a professor at the University of Bologna, where he extensively explored the electrical phenomena associated with biological systems. His magnum opus, „An Account of the Late Improvements in Galvanism“ (1803), encapsulates his extensive research and experimentation, particularly his attempts to utilize galvanic principles to reanimate the dead, which significantly influenced the gothic literature of the time, including Mary Shelley“s „Frankenstein“. Aldini“s work was characterized by a careful blend of scientific rigor and a nearly theatrical demonstration style that garnered much public attention. Through his scholarly and public demonstrations across Europe, Aldini became a key figure in the promotion of the practical and theoretical applications of electricity in medicine. He passed away on January 17, 1834, leaving behind a legacy that bridged the gap between scientific experimentation and its implementation in medical sciences.