[The foundation, birth and first steps of the Clinica del Lavoro of Milan. Its historical and social contexts].

After recalling the precursors of social and occupational medicine and the political and social background at the beginning of the century, the author dedicates his attention to Luigi Devoto, lecturer, researcher and organizer. An account is given of his work, his friends (and opponents) and his divulgatory activity, whereby he was able to stimulate the interest of politicians and administrators in the problems of safeguarding the health of the workers and their workplaces. Thanks to the enthusiastic commitment of Luigi Devoto, and with the support of other eminent physicians such as Luigi Mangiagalli, in 1902 the municipal council of Milan voted, by a very large majority, the concession of municipal land to build the first Clinic for the study and treatment of occupational diseases. Building began in 1907 and 3 years later the Clinic was inaugurated. The Directorship was assigned to Luigi Devoto who described the organization, activity and staff of the Clinic in a wealth of detail in the first report drawn up just 3 years later.