The Pursuit of Nature
Informal Essays on the History of Physiology

This 1977 book, written as part of the celebrations of the centenary of the Physiological Society, consists of essays on the historical development of physiology.

A. L. Hodgkin (Author), A. F. Huxley (Author), W. Feldberg (Author), W. A. H. Rushton (Author), R. A. Gregory (Author), R. A. McCance (Author)

9780521296175, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 20 September 1979

190 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.1 cm, 0.29 kg

This 1977 book, written as part of the celebrations of the centenary of the Physiological Society, consists of essays on the historical development of physiology. Six esteemed authors each contribute a historical essay, focusing in turn on the history of electrophysiology, muscular and neuromuscular physiology, gastrointestinal hormones, perinatal physiology and visual research. Each of the six essays in this book is skilfully executed, idiosyncratic and a pleasure to read. They can be enjoyed in their own right, or as a rounded and informative collection on both the history of physiological practice and the scientists behind this movement's advance. The book will be of immense interest to physiologists, pharmacologists and historians of science, wishing to look back at the development of this fascinating discipline.

1. Chance and design in electrophysiology: an informal account of certain experiments on nerve carried out between 1934 and 1952 A. L. Hodgkin
2. Looking back on muscle A. F. Huxley
3. The early history of synaptic and neuromuscular transmission by acetylcholine: reminiscences of an eye witness W. Feldberg
4. Some memories of visual research in the past 50 years W. A. H. Rushton
5. The gastrointestinal hormones: a historical review R. A. Gregory
6. Perinatal physiology R. A. McCance
Indices.

Subject Areas: History of science [PDX]