D'ORTA, GRACIA

(c. 1500-68)

   Portuguese marrano scientist and physician. He was born in Castelo de Vide, and taught at Lisbon University. In 1534 he left Portugal for India, where he served in Goa as a physician to Portuguese viceroys, Christian dignitaries, and the Muslim ruler. His Coloquios dos simples e drogas he cousas medicinais da India laid the foundation for the study of tropical diseases. He was posthumously condemned by the Inquisition.