Historical information

According to a typed note with the object, this medal came from Czechoslovakia in 1974. It belonged to Frank Forster.

Alfred Kotasek (1911-1991) was a Czech professor of obstetrics and gynaecology. The date featured on this medal is the date of his birth, and 'MUDr' is a Master of General Medicine qualification. The Latin motto featured on this medal is strongly associated with the 17th century Czech (Moravian) author and pedagogue Jan Amos Komensky, who allegedly took this phrase as his motto and featured it in one of his most famous works, 'Orbis sensualium pictus' (The World in Pictures) [1658]. Loosely translated, the meaning of the motto approximates 'Let everything flow freely, without violence to things.' 'Orbis sensualium pictus' has been described as the first true illustrated book for children, and Komensky is considered by some to be the father of modern education.

Physical description

Round bronze coloured medallion. Front of medal features a profile portrait of Professor Alfred Kotasek and is inscribed "19.12.1911/PROF.MUDR/ALFRED/KOTASEK". Back of medal features a raised image of a woman with a child in utero and is inscribed "OMNIA SPONTE FLUANT ABSIT VIOLENTIA REBUS".