Maximilian Joseph von Chelius

Maximilian Joseph von Chelius (16 January 1794 – 17 August 1876) was a German surgeon and ophthalmologist born in Mannheim.

Chelius received his medical doctorate in 1812 at the University of Heidelberg, and afterwards worked as both a civilian and military physician in Munich.

He was a catalyst in the development of the medical faculty at the University of Heidelberg, being considered the founder of the surgical tradition at the facility.

One of his better-known patients was composer Frédéric Chopin, whom Chelius treated for sepsis of the finger.

His grandson, Oskar von Chelius, was a composer and Imperial German Army general during World War I.