Auenbrugger, Leopold

Leopold Auenbrugger (1722–1809) was an Austrian physician who revolutionized physical diagnosis by developing the technique of percussion—tapping on a patient's chest to assess underlying organs' size and condition. His method allowed doctors to gather crucial information about internal health without invasive procedures. Although initially met with skepticism, percussion became a fundamental skill in medicine. Auenbrugger’s work laid the groundwork for modern diagnostic methods, greatly enhancing the ability to detect and treat chest and abdominal diseases more accurately and effectively.