Abstract

In the first quarter of the sixteenth century, two Polish surgeons were practicing in Bologna. One of them was a professor at the university (Maciej Sieprawski of Bochnia), whereas the other one studied medicine, but focused more on medical practice by performing various operations (Walenty of Starogard). Sieprawski was probably a very gifted doctor, since he was asked by the Hungarian Archbishop of Kalocsa to help treat his illness. Walenty recorded the surgeries he had performed on the margins of the astronomy calendar, thanks to which, it is known what and on whom he operated. Maciej Sieprawski was the only Pole who, after obtaining a doctorate in medicine, stayed in Bologna. Walenty of Starogard probably did not obtain his doctorate in Bologna, and after returning to Poland, he settled in PoznanÅL, where he was a well-respected citizen.