French physician, surgeon, anatomist, and physiologist, founder of the science of histology, and of general anatomy. Bichat's industry, zeal, and ability were phenomenal. He was equally successful as an anatomist, physician, physiologist, and surgeon, carrying on simultaneously his teaching, dissecting, and extensive private practice.
Education
He was educated successively at the College de Nantua and the Jesuit Seminary of St. Irenee, Lyon, returning home in 1789 to study anatomy under his father, who was a physician at Poincin. At the same time Bichat attended lectures at Lyon, but was forced to leave because of the revolution. He went to Paris in 1793 and studied surgery under Pierre J. Desault, who was pleased with his ability, took him into his home and later adopted him as his son.
Career
He founded, with J. N. Corvisart des Marets, La Societe Medicale d'Emulation and in 1797 began giving a course of lectures in anatomy, physiology, and surgery. In 1800 he was named physician at the Hotel Dieu.
Views
The representative of vitalism.