ICARUS HRVATSKA

Ivan Krstitelj Pagani – physician and scientist from The Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik)

Physician and scientist Ivan Krstitelj Pagani was born on June 27, 1719 in Dubrovnik. His parents Ivan Luigi (Alojz) Pagani and Marija née Flora got married in Dubrovnik in 1716. Ivan had two brothers, doctors Antonio and Ivan Petar, and a sister, Marija, who was married to Marko Cataffio. He completed his primary education in Dubrovnik and most likely started his studies between the ages of 18 and 20, at which age young men from Dubrovnik usually began applying for (most often Italian) universities.

The Republic of Ragusa (Dubrovnik) had been giving scholarships to students since the middle of the 14th century. The amount of financial aid given and other criteria was regulated by the Education Act of 1557. Both commoners and nobles alike were entitled to a scholarship. It seems that Ivan Krstitelj Pagani was not on a scholarship from the start and most likely received funds for his studies from some other benefactor (family or friends). He started his studies in Malta, but it's unclear how he reached Malta, or how he later travelled through Italy, but we do know which cities he visited. The timeline indicates these were: Dubrovnik-Malta-Salerno-Naples-Dubrovnik.

Photo: Register of marriages of the parish of Dubrovnik (City) 1706-1722

It is recorded that Pagani came to Malta in 1739, where he studied medicine (fisica e instituti medici) at the Medical Academy of Malta (Accademia Medica Maltese), which was founded in 1679. Owing to the copy of the Italian translation of Euclid’s Elements, which is kept in the Research Library of Dubrovnik, and which contains a note confirming the book was made in Malta in 1739 for Ivan Pagani, it is known that Pagani was still in Malta at that time.

After Malta he moved to Salerno, where he received his doctor’s degree on October 16, 1741, and then moved to Naples. In December of the same year, Pagani wrote his first letter to the Senate from Naples and asked for financial assistance so that he could undergo further training. The Republic of Ragusa gave him a scholarship during his training in Padua. In 1743, the Senate awarded him 150 ducats to support three years of education in Italy, with his father acting as a guarantor. In June 1746, Pagani was in Padua. He wrote to the Senate that he was offered a job in the Republic of Venice and informed them that he desired to postpone his return to Dubrovnik. After returning to Dubrovnik later that year, Pagani was hired as a state doctor. During his service in the Republic of Ragusa, he was sent on various missions and professional excursions. He travelled to Naples on one occasion and wrote to the Senate, asking them for financial assistance in the purchase of some professional books, but the Senate denied his request and ordered Pagani to return to Dubrovnik within six months (in 1769). He worked as a state doctor until 1800, when he had to retire due to old age.

Pagani was up to date with the latest scientific discoveries and methods of treatment, and constantly sought further training, which is what earned him the trust not only of the citizens of Dubrovnik, but also of Ottoman dignitaries. Pagani, together with doctors Ivan Kristofor Buć and F. Graziani, drew up a plan in 1774 to eliminate the causes of epidemics. They argued that plagues broke out due to poorly sanitized cities brimming with waste, and suggested people use vinegar and incense for disinfection as hygiene regulations.

Pagani was sent on missions in Bosnia as well. He treated the Bosnian Beylerbey in 1754, 1766 and 1767. In a letter he sent from Mostar on March 31, 1754, Pagani informed the Senate that his journey was made difficult due to snow drifts and blizzards, but that he would continue to Sarajevo nonetheless. Pagani had a professional library of his own, which he most likely acquired as he travelled the world (during his training, studies, missions, etc.). Today, Pagani’s books are kept in the Research Library of Dubrovnik.

The life story of physician Ivan Krstitelj Pagan could be reconstructed based on the preserved documents of the State Archives in Dubrovnik. Many of them are in the form of letters that Pagani wrote to the Senate, which give an insight into his private thoughts. His will and the registers reveal information about his family, while the books Pagani collected over the years speak of his professional interests as well as his dedication to work. He finished his elementary education in Dubrovnik, then received his diploma in medicine and subsequent training during his short-term migration to Italy and Malta, where he made acquaintances and acquired professional books. Ivan Krstitelj Pagani passed away on November 6, 1805. His will has been preserved – it is kept in the State Archives in Dubrovnik.

Photo: November 3rd 1741 - Ivan Krstitelj Pagani writes to the Dubrovnik authorities that he studied for three years in Malta and received his doctorate in Salerno on October 16. 1741. (first page)

Photo: Ivan Krstitelj Pagani's final will and testament, page 1

Photo: Ivan Krstitelj Pagani's final will and testament, page 2