Early education
Niels Steensen’s formal education began at the Latin school of the Church of Our Lady. We do not know exactly how old he was at the time, perhaps ten. In 1817 the Latin school changed its name to Metropolitanskolen. In…
Memento mori
The image of the child Niels talking with and observing the craftsmen in the hustle-bustle his father’s workshop is one of tranquility and security, but it is worth remembering that life was hard in the 17th century. Niels Steensen lost his half-sister Lisbeth in 1644, his…
The student
By Sebastian Olden-Jørgensen When he left Vor Frue grammar school Niels Steensen studied medicine 1656-69 at the University of Copenhagen under the famous anatomist Thomas Bartholin (1616-80). Bartholin had published a widely-used handbook in anatomy, and was internationally renowned for…
Studies abroad 1660-64
By Sebastian Olden-Jørgensen When the siege was lifted Niels Steensen went abroad to study in the Netherlands 1660-64. Niels Steensen’s skill at dissecting, his anatomical observations, publications and scientific debate quickly earned him a name in the world of science….
