Rudolph Virchow (1821-1902) was a leading figure in the medical, political and intellectual life of Germany in the second half of the nineteenth century. His most famous work was "Cellular Pathology". Virchow wrote many books and edited several journals, including 'Virchow's Archive' and was a member of numerous professional societies.

This book is a compilation of Virchow's memorial addresses on nineteen of his teachers -especially Johannes Müller and Johann Lukas Schönlein - colleagues and students as well as one concerning Morgagni. There is an introduction to the man and his times, and copious editors' notes to explain allusions and events mentioned in the text with which some modern readers may be unfamiliar. There is also an extensive bibliography incorporating German sources, with English translations of all titles. The book gives a fascinating multi-dimensional view of scientists and their lives in nineteenth century Germany.