Contrary to popular belief, Rue Martin isn’t named after just any Martin. Lyon boasts many Martins. Rue Martin is named after Pierre Etienne Martin, a prominent figure in 19th-century Lyon. He was born in 1771 and died in Lyon in 1846. He resided at 8 rue des Marronniers towards the end of his life. This street, tucked away near the eastern entrance of Hôpital Edouard Herriot, begins at rue Viala and ends at cours Eugénie. Imagine arriving at Rue Martin, the air thick with anticipation. You stand between two buildings with angled corners on rue Viala, marking the entrance to this intriguing street.
Rue Martin isn’t just a street; it’s a testament to a man who shaped Lyon’s medical and social landscape. Pierre Etienne Martin wasn’t just a surgeon; he was an innovator. He revolutionized childcare with an invention we now take for granted: the rubber nipple for baby bottles. He improved upon the earlier design by another Lyonnais, Marc Antoine Petit, who had used a cow’s udder. Children worldwide owe a debt of gratitude to this Lyonnais innovator. He served as chief surgeon at La Charité hospital. He also owned the very land upon which Rue Martin was later built. He taught medicine and established a museum of anatomy.
As you stroll along Rue Martin, picture its namesake walking these very grounds, his mind brimming with ideas. On the north side, a small, single-story house bearing the engraved name “Villa Antoinette” nestles beside a larger building set back from the street. A vast, empty lot stretches beyond them, large enough for a basketball court and even a small running track. On the south side, a row of charming individual houses, each with its own garden, creates a peaceful atmosphere. A small apartment building at number 14 adds a touch of urban charm. Notice the lovely two-story blue house at number 22. It’s a splash of color against the backdrop of the city.
Pierre Etienne Martin’s brother, Aimé Martin, also left his mark on Lyon’s medical history. He served as the first chief surgeon at La Charité and organized the first childbirth courses there. Both brothers were esteemed members of the Lyon Academy. Rue Martin might be a quiet street today. It stands as a reminder of the significant contributions of one man and his family. As you leave Rue Martin, carry with you the story of Pierre Etienne Martin, the surgeon, innovator, and namesake of this unassuming yet historically rich street.