The Russian physician, scientist, the founder of
the physiological branch in clinical medicine and a public figure Sergey
Botkin was born in Moscow to a merchant family on September 17, 1832
(September 5, old style). He was the 11th child in the family and was
born after his father's second marriage and was brought up under the
supervision and influence of his brother Basil. At an early age he
was marked by outstanding abilities and curiosity. The Botkins' house was frequented by distinguished people of that time, among whom there were Alexander
Herzen, Nikolai Stankevich, Vissarion Belinsky, Timofey Granovsky, Paul
Pikulin. Their ideas had a great influence on
Botkin's views. To the age of 15 Botkin had been brought at home, and in 1847 he
entered a private boarding school, where he spent three years. He was considered to be one of the best students. In August
1850 Botkin became a medical student at Moscow University, graduating
in 1855. (Botkin only from its course is not passed the exam for the
title of doctor, and for a doctorate. - вообще мысль не понятна) Botkin died of heart disease on December 24, 1889 (December 12, old style) in Menton (France) and was buried in St. Petersburg.
In his two marriages he had 12 children. Two sons, Sergei and Eugene took their father's profession. After the death of his son Eugene
Botkin became a tzar court physician. Eugene Botkin was shot together with the royal family in 1918.