Notker Physicus

Notker Physicus (c. 900 – 975) was a Benedictine monk at the Abbey of Saint Gall, best known for his medical skill. He was also a painter, composer and poet. His paintings, now lost, were well regarded in his time, and two of his compositions survive.

His whole life was spent at Saint Gall. By 956 or 957 he had become cellarius, an administrator of the community, and by 965 hospitarius, in charge of caring for the sick and guests, a role in which his medical reputation grew. He was probably the notarius of the same name found in records. He may also have served as physician to the emperors Otto I and Otto II, though this is not certain. Among his students was Balther von Säckingen, who dedicated his Vita sancti Fridolin to him.

As a composer he left an office for Saint Othmar, "Rector aeterni metuende saecli", and the hymn "Hymnum beatae virgini". He also wrote poems for royal receptions, which have not survived. He died on 12 November 975. He was known by the nicknames physicus and medicus, and piperis granum, a reference to his monastic devotion.