More and more is written about the 16th century prophecies of French astrologer Nostradamus. But Nostradamus, who was born Michel de Nostredame in 1503, was equally famous in his lifetime for his skills as a physician. Nostradamus studied medicine in Montpellier and began practicing as a physician in 1525. He is most famous for his innovative techniques for treating plague victims, especially because he successfully treated so many ill patients. In 1550, Nostradamus began writing his prophecies, earning him new fame and an appointment as royal physician to King Charles IX. His final prediction came when he told a priest, “You will not find me alive at sunrise.” He died early the next morning, on this date in 1566.

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