| De Martel was born in France, educated in France and together with Clovis Vincent were the founders of neurosurgery in France. Even as a student in a school for training engineers he was already interested in neurosurgical instruments. Together with Vincent they developed neurosurgery as a discipline in France. In World War I he was a medical officer and received man decorations for his services and his bravery. In World War II he was again ready to serve his country but he was openly critical of those who had not prepared France for war. He committed suicide when the Germans entered Paris.De Martel was the pioneer neurosurgeon of France and even in the face of great resistance overcame these difficulties. |  |