Thilenius, Moritz Gerhard

Physician

born: 30.04.1745 in Eddigehausen (near Göttingen)

died: 25.01.1809 in Wiesbaden

Thilenius, also known as Thile, studied medicine in Göttingen from 1761-65, where he received his doctorate on July 24, 1765. Thilenius worked in Einbeck and as a physicist in Lauterbach and made a name for himself with his successful fight against smallpox. In 1807, general compulsory vaccination was introduced by order of the sovereign. As a member of the Brüderverein für Menschenwohl, he was in contact with some of the leading doctors of his time.

From 1800-03, Thilenius worked as a general practitioner in Wetzlar, was then appointed personal physician and spa doctor to Prince Friedrich August zu Nassau-Usingen and made a Privy Court Councillor. The appointment resulted from Thilenius' reputation as a balneologist, which he had earned through numerous writings on the mineral springs in Braubach, Schwalbach, Hofgeismar, Fachingen and Bad Ems.

During his time in office, he devoted himself above all to improving Wiesbaden's spa operations, drawing on his knowledge and impressions from other spas. Thilenius developed new methods for using the hot springs to treat various illnesses and laid down the principles for spa treatment.

His sons Christian Heinrich (1776-1818) and Otto Heinrich (1800-1869) also became well-known spa physicians, the latter in Eltville.