Particularly due to the work by Herman Boerhaave ( 1668 -- 1738 ) , it played a crucial role in the establishment of modern chemistry and medicine .
During the Dutch Golden Era , Leiden was the second largest city of Holland , after Amsterdam .
Particularly due to the work by Herman Boerhaave ( 1668 -- 1738 ) , Leiden played a crucial role in the establishment of modern chemistry and medicine .
During the Dutch Golden Era , Leiden was the second largest city of Holland , after Amsterdam .