On the Motion of the Heart and Blood in Animals (Great Minds Series)

by William Harvey

Paperback, 1993

Collection

Publication

Prometheus Books (1993), Edition: Reprint, 91 pages

Description

William Harvey (1578-1657) was a rebel in medical science: Contrary to contemporary practice, he began his epoch-making investigation into the action of the heart and the blood's circulation by minutely observing their action in live animals and by a lengthy series of dissections, rather than by mere reliance on the anatomical lessons of ancient medicine and philosophy. "On the Motion of the Heart and Blood in Animals", including explanations of heart valves and arterial pulse, stands as a triumph of true scientific inquiry, and is still regarded as one of the greatest discoveries in physiology.

User reviews

LibraryThing member jpsnow

Clearly chosen for its value as scientific literature and historical context, Harvey's work also shows a better understanding of anatomy than one might otherwise expect from the mid 1600's. He refutes the then current view that the lungs connect directly to the right side of the heart, filling that

cavity with air but only goes so far as suggesting the need for further investigation as to why the lungs could need so much blood supply. The path of blood, purpose and function of valves, differences between arteries and veins -- these were all discovered by that time. He also demonstrates a clear understanding of the full spectrum of animals in showing the differences and similarities in their circulatory systems.

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