[William Osler (1849-1919): the man and his descriptions].

William Osler was generally regarded as the greatest and most respected physician of his time. This paper describes Osler's life, his philosophy and views. He was an outstanding clinician who emphasized bedside teaching and observation.

[The outstanding achievements of Adolf Kussmaul].

Adolf Kussmaul was born in Graben, close to Karlsruhe, Germany, on February 22,1822. He graduated at Heidelberg University in 1845 and he received his medical degree in 1855. He made original descriptions, such as the ophthalmoscope, the gastroscope or endoscope, and Kussmaul signs, besides the respiration named after him.