How is a University born? Montpellier before Montpellier

Abstract

In 1220; the first statutes referring to the “University of Physicians of Montpellier” indicate that a collective organization already existed there. These statutes followed on at least a century of medical teaching and practice. We study the origins of this “birth” in conjunction with an analysis of the physicians’ backgrounds; an identification of their knowledge; the development of their reputation and the changes in their cultural; economic; social and political surroundings – all in the very unique circumstances making Montpellier a pioneering institution.