1813-1878

French Physiologist and Physician

Claude Bernard's research transformed many areas of physiology and demonstrated that many vital functions could be understood in term of chemistry rather than as aspects of animated anatomy. His most significant discoveries included the glycogenic function of the liver, the role of the pancreatic juices in digestion, the functions of the vasomoter nerves, and the nature of the action of curare, carbon monoxide, and other poisons. Bernard believed that his demonstration of the glycogenic function of the liver was his most important piece of work, but the implications of his researches eventually revolutionized ideas about metabolism. Perhaps his most important contribution was his theoretical framework. He based this research career on his concept of determinism, that is, faith in the experimental method and its applicability to physiology, the science of life. Bernard insisted that instead of continuing ancient disputes about "vitalism...