An impressive large commemorative medal from 1864, dedicated to Karl Ernst von Baer and issued to mark the 50th anniversary of his receiving a doctorate in medicine from the University of Dorpat.
Karl Ernst von Baer (1792–1876) was one of the most distinguished natural scientists of the 19th century. Born in present-day Estonia, he became renowned primarily as one of the founders of modern embryology. His research also encompassed anatomy, zoology, anthropology and geography. During his academic career, he was associated with institutions including the University of Königsberg and the Imperial Academy of Sciences in St Petersburg.
The medal commemorates an important milestone in Baer’s life. On 29 August 1814, the University of Dorpat (present-day Tartu) awarded him the degree of Doctor of Medicine, and fifty years later this anniversary was commemorated by the present issue. The reverse inscription records both the event and its date.
An impressive 70 mm medal dedicated to one of the foremost scientists of the 19th century and a pioneer of modern embryology. The monumental portrait, fascinating Latin inscription referring directly to Baer’s scientific achievements, and substantial format make this a particularly striking piece commemorating the history of European science.
Obverse: bust of Karl Baer, left, at the bottom signature ЧУКМАСОВ Р.
ORSUS AB OVO HOMINEM HOMINI OSTENDIT
Reverse: inscription in eight lines IN MEMORIAM DIEI / QUO / ABHINC QUINQUAGINTA ANNOS / DIE XXIX MENSIS AUGUSTI A. MDCCCXIV / CAROLUS ERNESTUS A BAER / AB UNIVERSITATE DORPATENSI / MEDICINAE DOCTOR / RENUNTIATUS EST
Bronze, diameter 70 mm, weight 164.51 g
