Rafael Lucio

Rafael Lucio Nájera (September 2, 1819 – May 30, 1886) was a Mexican physician, academic and scientist born in Xalapa-Enríquez, Veracruz, who devoted many years of his life to research leprosy.

Biography

Early years Nájera's parents were Vicente Lucio, a Spanish merchant based in Mexico, and Gertrudis Nájera, a woman from a middle-class family from Veracruz.

Rafael Lucio lost his father at an early age. He began his studies in Xalapa, and later, when his mother remarried to a doctor, Manuel Salas, the family moved to the city of San Luis Potosi.

Studies

In 1838, he enrolled in the Establishment of Medical Sciences, in Mexico City, where he obtained a position in practical exercises of operative medicine. He completed his educational career with notable success, and in 1842, he earned his medical degree, having passed his examination brilliantly. Months later, when the young doctor was just twenty-four, he was appointed Director of the San Lazaro Hospital in the capital of the Republic, a position he held for seventeen years with great dedication, efficiency and humanitarianism.

Medical and scientific During his tenure at the San Lazaro Hospital, he dedicated himself to the study and research of a disease that was very common among patients attending the institution; this illness was known back then as Saint Lazarus illness, or elephantiasis of the Greeks (leprosy). The disease first manifested symptoms such as inflamed reddish spots on the skin, later changing to a red wine color, and finally becoming ulcerations. Dr. Rafael Lucio gave this illness the name spotted Leprosy.

His relationship with the Emperor Maximilian was very close. Najera treated him for the symptoms he was suffering from, and he earned the gratitude of the latter, as well as the decoration of the Grand Cross of the Order of Guadalupe.

Dr. Rafael Lucio was a long-time professor at the School of Medicine. In addition to his wisdom and vast experience, he showed an ease of expression and remarkable clarity in his classes; his unassuming manners, his kindness and his spotless morality must be added to this, all qualities that made him an exemplary teacher.

In his private practice, he was widely known for his altruism and his humanitarian behavior. He attended to all his patients with the same care and dedication, regardless of the social class to which they belonged, or whether or not they could afford to pay his fees.

Among his colleagues, he enjoyed great prestige and recognition. They often wanted to know his opinion on difficult cases, and he always gave a wise and generous response. Dr. Rafael Lucio was truly devoted to his profession of medical service, giving aid and comfort to anyone who needed it, and in response people gave their love and respect.

Works

'The Booklet on St Lazarus illness or elephantiasis of the Greeks''' (1851) Written in collaboration with Dr. Ignacio Alvarado, they describe how spotted Leprosy was undetected by previous authors. This form of leprosy later became known as "diffuse leprosy of Lucio and Latapi". 'Brief History of Mexican painting in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries''' (1864) Published in Mexico in 1864. There is a later edition in 1889.