Francois Gigot de la Peyronie

François Gigot de la Peyronie should be remembered for more than a bent penis.

Peyronie served as first-surgeon to Louis XV of France, taking that post in 1736. Peyronie took a heavy interest in medical education. He helped found the Academy Royale De Chircurgie (Royal Academy of Surgery) in 1731, serving as its Chairman from 1736-1747. He was a critical player in helping to pass a law in France that banned barbers from practicing surgery. That law passed in 1743, the same year he described the condition that now bears his name.