Albrecht von Haller (October 16, 1708 - December 12, 1777) was a Swiss anatomist and physiologist. He is often referred to as the father of modern physiology. Haller worked on the nervous system, and recognized the tendency of muscle fibres to contract when stimulated, or when the attached nerve is stimulated. He showed that only the nerves can transmit sensation, and that they are gathered into the brain. He wrote the first physiology textbook and worked on the circulation, respiration and digestion. He was the first to assess the effect of a medicine by testing it on the healthy. The quantity of work achieved by Haller in the 17 years during which he occupied his professorship was immense. Apart from the ordinary work of his classes, which entailed the task of newly organizing a botanical garden, an anatomical theatre and museum, and an obstetrical school. He conducted a monthly journal (the Gottingische gelehrte Anzeigen), to which he is said |