Gruby, david

(¤ 1810,  1898) important Hungarian anatomist, dermatologist and mycologist. Born on 20.8.1810 in Kis-Kér, a small Hungarian village, he came to Pest at the age of 14. There he went to the grammar school, which he completed in 1828 with the university entrance qualification. In 1831 he began regular medical studies in Vienna, which he completed with the state examination in 1836. 1839 Dissertation with Josef Berres and Carl Rokitanski with the title "Obervationes Micoroscopicae ad Morphologiam Pathologicam". Due to his excellent reputation as a scientist, the University of Vienna offered him a professorship on condition that he changed to the Catholic faith. Gruby declined this offer. Thus he followed a call to the University of Paris. Gruby worked preferably at the Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés. In 1841, Gruby did groundbreaking work on the pathogen of the favus, which had been discovered 2 years earlier by Schönlein (Achorion Schönleinii). In August 1843 first proof of the causative agent of microsphere (called "Microsporum decalvans Audouini" by Gruby). 1845 Proof of mites as the causative agent of Acarus herbage in dogs. 1861 Detection of trombidia as the causative agent of trombidiosis. Gruby had a wide range of scientific interests and since 1854 he had a successful private practice where he treated many celebrities such as Alexandre Dumas, Fréderic Chopin, George Sand and Heinrich Heine. In 1890 he became a member of the French Legion of Honor. Gruby died on 14.11.1898 in Paris.