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John HaldaneScottish physiologist
Date of Birth: 03.05.1860
Country:  Great Britain |
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Biography of John Haldane
John Haldane, a Scottish physiologist, is best known for his pioneering work on the genetic basis of evolution and mutagenesis, as well as his contributions to biochemistry and biometrics. He was born on May 3, 1860, in Edinburgh, Scotland. Haldane received his education at the Edinburgh Academy, Edinburgh University, and Jena University. In 1884, he obtained his medical degree.
Academic Career
Haldane began his academic career at the University of Oxford, where he worked as an assistant in the Department of Physiology. He later became a professor in the same department. In 1897, he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society of London, and in 1905, he became a member of the council of New College, Oxford University. Haldane also served as the head of the physiological laboratories in Doncaster (since 1912) and Birmingham (since 1921).
Contributions to Physiology
Haldane was one of the founders of the study of human respiration, its regulation, and the role of carbon dioxide in this process. He conducted research on the toxic effects of carbon monoxide and developed methods to combat poisoning from this gas. Haldane was the first to determine the composition of alveolar air in humans using his invented gas analysis apparatus, known as the Haldane apparatus.
In 1911, Haldane led a high-altitude expedition to Pike's Peak in Colorado, which marked the beginning of his research on the adaptation of the human body to extreme conditions. He also studied the impact of humidity on the heat tolerance of organisms and investigated the interaction between respiration and circulation. Haldane measured the minute volume during muscular activity and developed a new method of decompression, laying the foundations for the prevention of decompression sickness.
Scientific Works
Haldane summarized the results of his scientific work in his book "Respiration" published in 1935. This book was based on lectures he delivered at Yale University. Among his other notable works are "Methods of Air Analysis" (1912; second edition co-authored with I. Graham, 1934), "Organism and Environment as Illustrated by the Physiology of Breathing" (1917), "The New Physiology" (1919), and "The Philosophical Basis of Biology" (1931).
Legacy and Death
John Haldane passed away on March 15, 1936, in Oxford. His contributions to the field of physiology, particularly in the study of respiration and adaptation to extreme conditions, have had a lasting impact on the scientific community. Haldane's innovative methods and research continue to inspire and influence future generations of scientists.
