Luigi Calori (1807-1896): learned anatomist and refined homme de lettres

Professor Luigi Calori (1807-1896) was a Renaissance man. He had a long, and brilliant academic career in the field of human anatomy teaching and research, but was also notably involved in arts and literature. He was Rector Magnificus of the University of Bologna, as well as Professor of Human Anatomy which included anthropology. Luigi Calori had a deep interest in poetry and classical literature; this passion lasted throughout his life. Here Calori’s life is briefly summarised, with an excursus on his promotion of wax modelling and drawings in medical education to show his artistic sensibility. Details of his literary pieces are given. This article aims to highlight the exceptional Renaissance soul of this scientist, an all-round scholar, a paradigm of how science and humanæ litteræ can coexist and flourish hand-in-hand, inspiring new generations of physicians and biomedical scientists.