Feodor Lynen, 6 April 1911 - 6 August 1979

Abstract

Feodor Lynen died on 6 August 1979 of complications following an operation six weeks before for the repair of an aneurism of the abdominal aorta. Until then he had been fit. The aneurism, of which he had had no symptoms, had come to light when Lynen had been in hospital for a minor operation on his hand, treatment of a Dupuytren contracture, and a general medical check before the planned operation revealed the possibility of an aneurism. A specialist confirmed the diagnosis and suggested surgical treatment. Lynen accepted the advice without hesitation because one of his elder brothers had died of a ruptured aneurism a few years earlier. Lynen’s operation took place on 25 June and was at first thought to have been successful, but complications developed and he became seriously ill. Lynen was one of the outstanding biochemists of his generation and made many highly original discoveries. His intellectual brilliance was combined with an exceptionally attractive, warm-hearted and open personality and with a tremendous zest for life. Students at all levels (especially postgraduate students) and from all over the world, flocked to his laboratory, which became one of the great international centres of biochemistry.