François Carlo Antommarchi, French physician and author (b. 1780)

Born on the rugged island of Corsica on July 5, 1780, François Carlo Antommarchi would carve out a fascinating career as a physician, eventually becoming most famously known as Napoleon's physician during the emperor's final years in exile. His journey, marked by academic excellence, political intrigue, and later, humanitarian aid and adventurous travels, paints a vivid picture of a dedicated man living through turbulent times.

A Promising Start: Education and Early Career

Antommarchi’s path to medicine began in Livorno, Italy, where he commenced his studies. His academic prowess was evident, leading him to the prestigious University of Pisa. There, in March 1808, he earned the esteemed degree of Doctor of Philosophy and Medicine. Following this significant achievement, Antommarchi moved to Florence, immersing himself further in the medical world by attaching himself to the Hospital of Santa Maria Nuova. His dedication continued to shine, and by 1812, he had obtained a diploma as a Surgeon from the University of Florence (then known as the Imperial University). Recognizing his talent and diligence, the university's president appointed him as Prosector. In this capacity, he had the invaluable opportunity to work under the renowned anatomist Paolo Mascagni, beginning on July 7, 1813, an experience that undoubtedly honed his surgical and anatomical skills.

The Call to St. Helena: Napoleon's Physician

The turning point in Antommarchi's life came with a truly extraordinary summons. Leaving Florence behind, he set sail for the remote, windswept island of St. Helena, tasked with serving as Napoleon I's physician until the emperor's death. This critical appointment was not by chance; it came at the earnest behest of Napoleon's own mother, Maria Letizia Ramolino, and his influential uncle, Cardinal Joseph Fesch, who were deeply concerned about the exiled emperor's well-being. Antommarchi officially received his letter of employment on December 19, 1818. He was specifically chosen as a replacement for Dr. Barry Edward O'Meara, another of Napoleon's personal physicians, who had been dismissed due to conflicts with the British authorities. Notably, Napoleon, a notoriously difficult patient, had outright refused to accept other British medical officers like Dr. Alexander Baxter or Dr. James Roch Verling, who were proposed by his stern custodian, Sir Hudson Lowe, the governor of St. Helena. This refusal underscored the political sensitivities and personal preferences surrounding Napoleon's care.

Life with the Emperor and His Final Days

Despite his qualifications and the influential backing, Antommarchi's tenure with the legendary captive was far from smooth. Napoleon, perhaps disillusioned or simply difficult, was not always impressed by Antommarchi's medical skills and, at times, even dismissed him from service. However, these dismissals were often short-lived, with Antommarchi resuming his duties soon after. The relationship was complex, marked by the immense pressure of treating such a high-profile figure under intense scrutiny. As Napoleon's illness progressed into its final, critical stages, Antommarchi was joined by Dr. Archibald Arnott. Arnott's presence was accepted by Napoleon only after insistent demands from his loyal officers, Count Montholon and Grand-Marshal Bertrand, highlighting the continuing medical and personal tensions in the imperial household.

After St. Helena: A Life of Travel and Service

Following Napoleon's death on May 5, 1821, Antommarchi's immediate priority was to document his observations. He penned "The Last Moments of Napoleon," a significant work in which he famously concluded that the emperor succumbed to stomach cancer – a diagnosis that remains a subject of historical debate. But Antommarchi’s story did not end with his illustrious patient. In 1831, his humanitarian spirit led him to Poland. During the fervent **November Uprising**, a national rebellion against Russian rule, he became the general inspector of Polish hospitals, providing crucial medical assistance to the Polish people. As the czar's forces suppressed the uprising, Antommarchi was forced to flee, seeking refuge in Paris.

His adventurous spirit then took him across the Atlantic. Antommarchi immigrated to Louisiana, where, in 1834, he made a remarkable gesture: he donated a bronze **death mask of Napoleon** to the people of New Orleans, a poignant and tangible link to his most famous patient. For a brief period, he lived in Veracruz, Mexico, working as an itinerant physician, a testament to his adaptability. His travels eventually led him to Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, where he settled and once again practiced medicine. This move was partly motivated by a desire to seek out his cousin, Antonio Juan Benjamin Antommarchi, who had found fortune in coffee plantations. In Cuba, Antommarchi developed a particular expertise, becoming adept at performing cataract surgery, a complex procedure for the time. Tragically, his eventful life came to an end in Cuba on April 3, 1838, when he succumbed to **yellow fever** at the age of 57.

FAQs About François Carlo Antommarchi

Who was François Carlo Antommarchi?
François Carlo Antommarchi was a Corsican physician, best known as the personal physician to Napoleon Bonaparte during the emperor's final years in exile on St. Helena.
When and where was he born and when did he die?
He was born on July 5, 1780, in Morsiglia, Corsica, and died on April 3, 1838, in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba.
What was his most famous role?
His most famous role was serving as Napoleon's physician from 1818 until the emperor's death in 1821.
Did Napoleon like him?
Napoleon had a complex relationship with Antommarchi, often expressing dissatisfaction with his medical skills and even dismissing him from service a couple of times, though he was always reinstated.
What did Antommarchi do after Napoleon's death?
After Napoleon's death, Antommarchi wrote "The Last Moments of Napoleon," traveled to Poland to aid during the **November Uprising**, and later immigrated to Louisiana, Mexico, and finally Cuba, where he continued to practice medicine.
Did he make a significant donation in the US?
Yes, in 1834, he donated a bronze **death mask of Napoleon** to the people of New Orleans, Louisiana.
What was the cause of his death?
He died in Cuba of **yellow fever** at the age of 57.
Where did he receive his medical education?
He studied in Livorno, earned his Doctor of Philosophy and Medicine degree at the University of Pisa, and later a Surgeon's diploma from the University of Florence (Imperial University).