William Harvey

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William Harvey

William Harvey (/'wɪlɪəm 'hɑːvɪ/) was an English physician who made seminal contributions to anatomy and physiology. He was the first known physician to describe completely and in detail the systemic circulation and properties of blood being pumped to the body by the heart.

Etymology

The name "William" is of old Germanic origin and means "resolute protector". The surname "Harvey" is of French origin and means "battle worthy".

Early Life and Education

William Harvey was born in Folkestone, Kent, England on April 1, 1578. He studied at King's College, Cambridge, and later at the University of Padua in Italy, where he graduated as a Doctor of Medicine in 1602.

Career

In 1609, Harvey became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians. He later served as a physician to King James I and Charles I, where he made several of his groundbreaking discoveries about the circulatory system.

Discoveries

Harvey's most significant discovery was the circulation of blood around the body and the function of the heart as a pump. This was a revolutionary concept in the 17th century, as it contradicted the long-held beliefs of the time.

Legacy

Harvey's work on the circulation of blood laid the foundation for modern physiology. His methods of observation and his experimental approach to the understanding of bodily functions marked a new turn in the history of medical science.

Related Terms

External links

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