[Franciscus Donders (1818-1889): ophthalmologist and physiologist]

In the 19th century Donders was one of the few Dutch physicians who had an international reputation. Initially a military physician, in 1842 he was appointed as a teacher of anatomy, histology and physiology at the academy in Utrecht at which he had been trained. Five years later, Utrecht University appointed him as professor extraordinarius. Donders was among the first to use Von Helmholtz' ophthalmoscope (1851) and treated increasing numbers of patients with an eye disease. In 1864 he published a widely acclaimed treatise on disorders of refraction and accommodation. In 1862 he was appointed full professor of physiology in Utrecht. Subsequently he published on a variety of physiological subjects.