The beginnings of Public Hygiene in Milan during the 14th century. The studies of Francesco La Cava (1877-1958)

Abstract

Health as a primary good is a well-established goal in the social action of our time. The process that led to the determination of the set of rules governing healthcare needs and provisions for public hygiene has its origins far back in the history of medicine, with some chapters that are partly unknown. Here, we want to remember the figure of Francesco La Cava (Careri 1877- Roma 1958), a virtuous man, physician, and scholar with numerous facets, to whom we attribute the merit of having investigated the still unexplored chapter of Lombard healthcare in the 14th century.