Hiraga Gennai

Hiraga Gennai (1728–1780) was a Japanese polymath known for his diverse talents as an Edo-period scholar, pharmacologist, inventor, artist, and writer. He made significant contributions to early Western science and medicine, introducing new ideas and practices in Japan. Gennai is also famous for his innovative inventions, including experimental electrical devices, and for his artwork and literature that reflected both scientific curiosity and cultural creativity. His work helped bridge traditional Japanese knowledge with emerging scientific concepts, making him a notable figure in Japan’s intellectual history.