Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 989

LAZZARO SPALLANZANI (1729-1799) Mémoires sur la respiration. Chez J. J. Paschoud 1803 viii, 373 [2] pp. 21.5 cm.

For more information on this author or work, see number: 983

Spallanzani devoted himself to the study of respiration during the later years of his life. He had followed closely the work of Black, Priestly, Lavoisier, and Lagrange and, building on the results of their work, added the final chapter to our modern concept of respiration. He showed that many animals absorb oxygen and give off carbon dioxide from the surface of their bodies as well as their tissues and organs. He also demonstrated the effects of activity and temperature on respiratory exchange and was the first to show that the exchange could be influenced by the nature and quantity of food ingested. The present work was first published in Italian in 1803. It was then translated into French and published by Senebier as requested by Spallanzani before his death. Senebier opens the book with an account of Spallanzani's life, work, and character, as well as the final moments of his life when he was attended by, among others, Scarpa (see No. 1103 ff.). Also included in the book is a letter from Spallanzani to Senebier outlining his views of the respiratory process.

See Related Record(s): 1103

Cited references: Osler 1220; Waller 9101

Gift of John Martin, M.D.