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Malpighi's Microscopy Revolution: How Did It Change Our Understanding of the Human Body?
Marcello Malpighi was a 17th-century Italian scientist who had a profound influence on the development of modern biology. His research and observations not only promoted the development of microscopic anatomy and balance physiology, but also revealed many mysteries of human, animal and plant structures. Malpighi's microscopy revolution enabled scientists to explore and understand the mysteries of life in entirely new ways.
Malpighi is known as the father of microscopic anatomy and is widely recognized for his contributions to physiology and embryology.
Early Years and Academic Pursuits
Malpighi was born in 1628 near Bologna, Italy. His education was received at the University of Bologna, where he entered at the age of 17. Despite family responsibilities and health issues, his pursuit of education was in full swing. Malpighi obtained his doctorate in medicine and philosophy in 1653, and subsequently devoted himself to the teaching and research of anatomy.
The discovery and contribution of microscope
Malpighi's microscopic studies made him the first person to observe capillaries in animals. He revealed the connection between arteries and veins, correcting the views of earlier scholar William Harvey, and observed red blood cells for the first time. His book De polypo cordis was crucial to understanding the composition of blood and the coagulation process.
Malpighi's observations changed our understanding of the respiratory process, as he discovered that insects do not breathe using lungs, but rather exchange gases through tiny pores in their skin.
Effects on plant and animal anatomy
In addition to his studies of animals, Malpighi also made significant contributions to plant anatomy. His Anatome Plantarum was a groundbreaking work that described in detail the structure and growth processes of plants. Malpighi depicted various plant organs and noted that the structure of the xylem in plants was similar to what he had discovered in insects.
Malpighi's research was not limited to anatomy, but extended to embryology, describing certain stages of early development of life.
Interaction between medical practice and scientific community
As a physician, Malpighi was known for his approach to "rational medicine," choosing to rely on empirical evidence from anatomy and pathology rather than just traditional experience. His patients were mostly from the social elite, and his medical consultations were largely conducted through correspondence, which was unusual in the medical community at the time.
Years in Rome and Final Contributions
In 1691, he was appointed by the Pope as papal physician and taught medicine at the Pontifical Medical School. During this time, Malpighi conducted a great deal of research and submitted his findings to the Royal Society for publication. He died of a stroke in 1694 at the age of 66, leaving behind a series of important contributions to science.
Malpighi is remembered for his "high talent, his upright life, his strong and courageous spirit, his fearless enthusiasm for the art of medicine."
Malpighi's microscope revolution was not only a milestone in the history of biology, but also a major breakthrough in mankind's understanding of the nature of life. How does he influence our contemporary understanding of the human body and other organisms?
