António Nunes Ribeiro Sanches authored the entry on smallpox for the Encyclopédie, solidifying his role among the intellectual elite of the Enlightenment. Born in Penamacor in 1699, he navigated the complex political and religious landscapes of eighteenth-century Europe as a physician, historian, and pedagogue, eventually serving at the Russian imperial court before settling in Paris.
Early Career and Education
Sanches pursued formal medical training at the universities of Coimbra and Salamanca. His departure from Portugal was prompted by persecution from the Inquisition, which targeted him for his Jewish ancestry as a cristão novo. Following his flight, he traveled to London before continuing his medical formation at Leyden University. There, he studied under Herman Boerhaave, an experience that shaped his rigorous approach to medicine.
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In 1731, Sanches became one of three physicians specifically recommended to serve Anna of Russia. He joined the Russian military as a doctor and gained prominence for his clinical proficiency, eventually ascending to the role of court physician. His tenure in Russia lasted over 15 years, concluding in 1748 when empress Elizabeth Petrowna initiated proscriptions against Jewish colleagues, forcing his exit from the country.
Intellectual Contributions and Later Life
Upon arriving in Paris in 1748, Sanches focused on writing and research. He is credited with introducing Western European medical circles to the physiological benefits of Russian steam baths, a subject he explored in his 1771 and 1779 publications. His scholarly output was diverse, encompassing works on venereal disease, public health, and education. Catherine the Great recognized his contributions by granting him a pension of 1000 rubles, which provided financial security until his death in 1783. His extensive library was acquired by the empress following his passing.
Philosophical and Political Outlook
Categorized as an Estrangeirado, Sanches adopted foreign influences that challenged traditional Portuguese societal structures. His writings reflected a critical stance toward the privileges held by the nobility and clergy, while he also articulated opposition to the practice of slavery. His pedagogy, particularly regarding the education of the youth, aimed to reform intellectual life within the Kingdom of Portugal.
Fast facts
- Born: 1699, Penamacor, Portugal
- Died: 1783, Paris, France
- Education: University of Salamanca
- Membership: Russian Academy of Sciences, French Academy of Sciences
- Key Publication: Tratado da Conservação da Saúde dos Povos (1756)
- Primary Field: Medicine
- Notable Contribution: Introduction of Russian steam baths to Western medicine
Questions readers ask
What was Sanches' relationship with Catherine the Great?
Catherine the Great provided him with a pension of 1000 rubles for his previous services to the Russian state, which was paid until his death.
Why did Sanches leave Russia in 1748?
He left after empress Elizabeth Petrowna denounced two of his colleagues for being Jewish, prompting him to flee the volatile political environment for Paris.
Achievements
- Fields: medicine
