Wilhelm Friedrich von Ludwig

Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig (September 16, 1790 – December 14, 1865) was a German physician known for his 1836 publication on the condition now known as Ludwig's angina.

Ludwig was born in Uhlbach (near Stuttgart) in the state of Württemberg. His father was a clergyman and served as his childhood teacher. At the age of 10, he was sent to attend the Latin school at Markgröningen. Ludwig showed promise in medicine at an early age, and at 14, he went to Neuenburg to continue his classical studies while beginning to study medicine under a surgeon. Ludwig received a certificate of proficiency in 1807, whereupon he went on to study surgery, medicine, and obstetrics at the University of Tübingen. His performance was so exemplary that he was awarded a gold medal by King Frederick I in 1809—before graduating—for the advancement of surgery. In July 1811, Ludwig received his doctorate.

Unfortunately, before he could commence his study tour, Napoleon attempted to conquer Russia, and previously exempt students were called to service. Ludwig served initially as the doctor for 3rd Infantry at the Schorndorf garrison, and subsequently as director for the Württemberg field hospital at Smolensk in 1812.

He contracted typhus and was captured by the Russians; after recovering from typhus, he served as a Russian noblewoman's personal physician. Once he was freed from Russian capture in 1814, Ludwig returned home and directed a typhus hospital in Hohenheim, where he completed his military service in 1815.

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