Caspar Bartholin (1585-1629) was a Danish physician, anatomist, theologian and polymath. He is best known for his contributions to anatomy, in particular for his book "Insitutiones Anatomicae", published in 1611. This work was one of the most successful anatomical works of its time.
Caspar Bartholin the Elder (not Bartholini, as stated in many textbooks) was born in Malmö, Sweden, which at the time belonged to Denmark. Bartholin studied medicine and philosophy at various universities, including Copenhagen, Leiden and Padua (Porzionato A et al. 2013).
Significance for anatomy: The Institutiones Anatomicae were a systematic summary of the anatomical knowledge of the time. They were the standard anatomical work of their time for many decades. Caspar Bartholin the Elder (1585-1629) introduced the terms nervus olfactorius and nervus vagus in the Institutiones Anatomicae in 1611 (Porzionato A et al. 2013).
Bartholin's glands: Caspar Bartholin the Younger (1655-1738), his grandson, was the first to describe the "Bartholin's glands" in the female genital area, which were named after him.
Caspar Bartholin the Elder was not only a doctor, but also a theologian. He taught at the University of Copenhagen and was known for his interdisciplinary interests. He died at the early age of 44.
Note: The Bartholin's glands (or large vestibular glands) are important organs of the female reproductive system. They were first described by the Danish anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Younger in 1677 and their main function is to produce a mucous secretion that supplements vaginal and vulvar lubrication. The glands are located in the external vaginal entrance on either side of the external vaginal opening. (see illustration: Bartholin's gland). They are homologous to the bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands) in men. Cysts and abscesses often form in women of childbearing age. They usually do not require treatment.