Int. J. Dev. Biol. 53: 1161 - 1164 (2009)

https://doi.org/10.1387/ijdb.072313jd

Vol 53, Issue 8-9-10

Special Issue: Developmental Biology in Hispania (Spain & Portugal)

Augusto Celestino da Costa (1884-1956) - professor, scientist and science promoter

Published: 1 November 2009

José-Francisco David-Ferreira*

Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal

Abstract

At the dawn of the 20th century in Lisbon, Augusto Celestino da Costa advocated a model of university practice based on research and defended the promotion of a scientific culture and the dissemination of Science in society. As a scientist, Celestino da Costa made numerous original descriptions of the cytology, histology and embryology of endocrine glands and the sympathetic nervous system. Celestino da Costa authored seminal textbooks on histology and embryology, and was responsible for launching in Portugal the first governmental agency to finance scientific activities.

Keywords

A. Augusto Celestino da Costa, Marck Athias, medical education, histology, embryology