Philip Verheyen

Philip Verheyen (Verrebroek, April 23, 1648 – Leuven, January 28, 1710) was a Flemish surgeon, anatomist and author.

As a young boy he was probably a cowherd, and it is assumed that he learned to read and write at the local parish school.

Local folk tales claim that he had such a brilliant memory that he could recite the pastor's sermon after attending mass on Sunday.

Philippe Verheyen died in November 1710 and was buried in the churchyard of the church of St Michael in Leuven.

Prior to his death, he had given orders for his body to be buried outside the church so as not to infect the building with "unwholesome vapours".