Robert Samut (17 October 1869 – 26 May 1934) was a Maltese doctor and musician. He is best known for writing the music for "L-Innu Malti", the Maltese national anthem. Early life Robert Samut was born at the Lion House in Floriana, Malta, 4th son of Marianna Darmanin and Giuseppe Samut. He studied medicine at the Royal University of Malta and the University of Edinburgh, 1890-95, where he graduated with an MB ChB, receiving a medal for his exceptional ability in anatomy. From his youth he had shown musical inclinations, and had wanted to study music, but his father did not approve, and consequently he continued his career in medicine, following in the footsteps of two elder brothers (Richard and Carmelo), who were already well known doctors. His eldest brother, Lt Col Achilles Samut, was in the Army Ordnance Corps and later became a Malta Senator 1921-29 and served in Sir Gerald Strickland's government 1927-29. Military career On his return to Malta from Edinburgh, he was appointed Professor of Physiology and Bacteriology at the Royal University of Malta. He was also nominated specialist of Pathology at the Central Civil Hospital in Floriana (a building which now houses the Island's Police HQ). In 1897 Prof. Robert Samut joined The King's Own Malta Regiment of Militia as Lieutenant Surgeon. He was promoted to Captain in 1900 and Major in 1909. Immediately following the earthquake at Messina in 1908, he rushed to the devastated city to give his help. His meritorious service was recognised by the King of Italy, who named him Cavaliere Ufficiale della Corona d’Italia, and also by the award of the Red Cross Diploma. In 1915, during the First World War, he was posted with his regiment to Cyprus where he was given command of the Forest Military Hospital in Limassol. His work was highly acclaimed and was mentioned in various despatches and also received the General Service Medal. Medical career In 1920 he was appointed Professor of Pathology at the Royal University of Malta on the death of his brother Carmelo, who had been Professor of Pathology 1894-1920. It was this position that eventually was to cause his death. He had been asked to carry out an autopsy on a woman who had died with a strange illness and for reasons that are not well understood, he was infected with her illness. Prof Robert Samut pioneered the first tests