William Cullen

William Cullen (1710–1790) was a Scottish physician and chemist, recognized for advancing the understanding of respiration, circulation, and bodily functions. He was a key figure in the Scottish Enlightenment and served as a professor of medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Cullen made significant contributions to medical education and was among the first to describe certain diseases, such as Addison’s disease. His work helped lay the groundwork for modern clinical practices, emphasizing careful observation and scientific approaches in medicine. Overall, Cullen was influential in transforming medicine from a traditional craft into a scientific discipline.