Pierre François Olive Rayer

Pierre Rayer (March 8, 1793 - September 10, 1867) was a French dermatologist whose career spanned several fields. He is particularly known for his work in pathological anatomy and physiology.

In 1837, he found that the fatal equine disease known as glanders can also be contagious to humans. In 1841 he published a three-volume book on diseases of the kidney. In 1850 Rayer published a work which first described anthrax; in which he documents the studies he did with physician Casimir Davaine (1812-1882) concerning Bacillus anthracis.

Eponyms associated with Pierre Rayer:
 * Rayer's disease: a disorder characterized by chronic jaundice, splenomegaly, and hepatomegaly.
 * Rayer's nodules an xanthoma; yellowish nodules on the skin (often on the eyelids).