William Harvey was an English physician born in 1578, best known for his groundbreaking work in anatomy and physiology. He is most famous for discovering the circulation of blood in the human body, which he detailed in his book, *De Motu Cordis* (On the Motion of the Heart) published in 1628. This discovery changed the understanding of how the heart and blood vessels functioned, laying the foundation for modern cardiovascular medicine. Harvey studied at the University of Cambridge and later at the University of Padua, where he was influenced by the teachings of Andreas Vesalius, a pioneer in anatomy. His work not only advanced medical knowledge but also challenged existing beliefs about the human body, leading to significant developments in the field of medicine and influencing future scientists and physicians, including René Descartes and Thomas Sydenham.