The IST Redi award

Francesco Redi (1626-1697) was born in Arezzo, Italy, studied at the University of Pisa, and became court physician to the Medici family in Tuscany. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent scientists of his era and made significant contributions to science and the arts in various fields, including a treatise on venomous snakes titled “Osservazioni intorno alle vipere” (Observations on Vipers), published in 1664. Through this work and other contributions, he is considered one of the most important pioneers in the study of Toxinology.

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In his observations on vipers, which were largely novel at the time and contradicted prevailing beliefs, Redi noted that the effects of a viper bite (in Italy) applied to all animals, with smaller animals being more readily killed. He also recognized that the dose of venom, as well as the route and site of injection, were crucial factors. Additionally, he observed that non-fatal bites could be expected to recover after an illness, venom ingested orally was not harmful, and, most importantly, that venom was the yellow liquid expelled from the fangs.

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For more detailed information on the life and contributions of Francesco Redi, a good starting point is Prof. Gerhard Habermehl’s paper, “HISTORICAL REVIEW FRANCESCO REDI – LIFE AND WORK,” published in Toxicon in 1994, volume 32, issue 4, pages 411-417.