title: The contribution of Enrico C. Vigliani (1907-1992) to the international development of occupational medicine and industrial hygiene.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the last century's greatest personalities in Occupational Medicine was Enrico Carlo Vigliani (1907-1992), director of the "Clinica del Lavoro" in Milan (1942-1977), editor-in-chief of "La Medicina del Lavoro" (1942-1991), Secretary-Treasurer and then President of the "Permanent Commission and International Association on Occupational Health" (1957-1981), the original nucleus of the ICOH.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The 20th anniversary of his death provides us with the opportunity to discuss the role of this brilliant scholar in the international development of Occupational Medicine and Industrial Hygiene.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comprehensive analysis of Vigliani's scientific works was conducted. In addition, his close collaborators and pupils were interviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the 1930s, as a young doctor, Vigliani, first in the world, demonstrated the effect of lead on porphyrin metabolism. Afterwards he conducted pioneering studies on occupational oncology (benzene-induced leukaemia, bladder cancer due to aromatic amines, asbestos-related tumours), pathogenesis of silicosis, encephalopathy in carbon disulfide poisoning, byssinosis and metal fume fever, so influencing international research and the implementation of preventive measures against these conditions. Vigliani's scientific authority was widely recognized internationally, as confirmed by his role in ICOH. During his period of active service, the Commission developed from an academic institution to a more open association, substantially increasing its membership. Furthermore, he contributed to establishing subcommittees devoted to specific topics (now called "scientific committees"), one of the strengths of the present Commission.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vigliani's contribution to the development of Occupational Health may be considered as an expression of his genial eclecticism which ranged from clinical medicine to the environment.
authors: Research Centre on Public Health, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy. michele.riva@unimib.it
authors: M A
authors: MA
authors: Riva
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Carnevale
authors: M I
authors: MI
authors: D'Orso
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Iavicoli
authors: P A
authors: PA
authors: Bertazzi
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Cesana
mesh_terms: D000047:Academies and Institutes / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century; D038622:Internationality; D007558:Italy; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000266:history*; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000266:history*; D010506:Periodicals as Topic / Q000266:history; D012106:Research / Q000266:history; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000266:history