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Emil AbderhaldenFather of the Swiss physiologist Rudolf Abderhalden. Foreign Corresponding Member of the USSR Academy of Sciences since 1925.
Date of Birth: 09.03.1877
Country:  Switzerland |
Content:
- Emil Abderhalden: Pioneer in Physiological Chemistry
- Academic Career
- Scientific Contributions
- Abderhalden Reaction
- Protein Structure
- Role in Nazi Experiments
- Legacy
Emil Abderhalden: Pioneer in Physiological Chemistry
Early Life and EducationEmil Abderhalden was born in Oberuzwil, Switzerland, in 1877. He received his medical degree from the University of Basel in 1902. Subsequently, he pursued postdoctoral training in the laboratory of Emil Fischer in Berlin.
Academic Career
In 1911, Abderhalden joined the University of Halle as a professor of physiology. During World War I, he established a children's hospital and organized the evacuation of malnourished children to Switzerland.
After the war, Abderhalden resumed his research in physiological chemistry. From 1931 to 1950, he served as President of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. After World War II, he returned to Switzerland and continued his work at the University of Zurich.
Scientific Contributions
Abderhalden made significant contributions to the understanding of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Abderhalden Reaction
In 1910, Abderhalden discovered the "Abderhalden reaction." This test aimed to detect "defensive enzymes" produced by the organism in response to foreign substances in the bloodstream. While initially used to diagnose pregnancy, later studies contradicted its validity.
Protein Structure
Abderhalden was a pioneer in protein chemistry. In 1916, he demonstrated the similarities between natural peptones and polypeptides by synthesizing a polypeptide from 19 amino acids.
Role in Nazi Experiments
Abderhalden's research was unfortunately used in Nazi experiments to analyze blood for "Aryan" ancestry. While Abderhalden did not directly participate, he played a role in the expulsion of Jewish scientists from the Leopoldina.
Legacy
Emil Abderhalden's legacy is complex. His scientific contributions advanced our understanding of biochemistry. However, his involvement in the Nazi experiments remains a stain on his reputation.
