The article is devoted to Theodore Billroth, a pronounced scientist, founder of the classic Austrian-German surgery school, the originator of surgical gastric interferences, a luminous practitioner and theoretician, a talented musician. The attention is focused on the scientist’s innovative activities – development of new methods for surgical management. His impact to improving the hospitals work organization is characterized, his role in introducing methods of aseptics, antiseptics, and medical statistics. The importance of introduction of the humanity and truthfulness principles into clinical medicine is stressed, attention is paid to the pedagogic and scientific-literary activities. At the same time, the outstanding surgeon is shown as a brilliant musician, authoritative critic, and talented man of letters.