Johannes Peter Müller was a German physiologist and comparative anatomist, considered to be the leading natural philosopher of the 19th century. He was best remembered for his book ‘Handbuch der Physiologie des Menschen für Vorlesungen’, 2 vol. (1834–40; Elements of Physiology) which became the leading textbook in the medical field. Born to a shoemaker, his father initially planned to train him in leather crafting. However, one of his teachers discovered his talent in mathematics and classical languages and persuaded his father to send him to the Bonn University. By then, Müller had become interested in natural sciences and medicine. At Bonn, he enrolled in medical studies and three years later graduated with a medical degree. He continued further studies at the Berlin University where famous anatomist Rudolphi motivated him to take up microscopic studies. In 1824, he acquired the Lecturership in physiology and comparative anatomy at the University of Bonn; two years later he was appointed Associate Professor, and in 1830 he became a full Professor. Next, he was granted the prestigious position of Medical Professor at the Berlin University and continued in the role for 25 years. He was an eminent teacher and some of his famous students included cellular pathologist Rudolf Virchow and physiologist physicist Hermann Helmholtz. As a researcher, his vast knowledge in the field grabbed the attention of different scholars. In personal life, he suffered from frequent bouts of depression that often left him incapable of work.