Walter Bradford Cannon American psychophysiologist, physiologist Date of Birth: 19.10.1871 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Intellectual Awakening
3. Early Research
4. Homeostasis: A Revolutionary Concept

Early Life and Education

Walter Cannon was born into a humble family in 1871. His father, a railroad clerk, and mother, a schoolteacher, instilled in him a strong work ethic and encouraged his creativity. Cannon's early exposure to practical skills, such as toy-making and invention, would later prove invaluable in his scientific career. Raised in a strict Protestant household, Cannon immersed himself in religious study. However, his growing skepticism eventually led to a rift with his father.

Intellectual Awakening

At the age of 17, Cannon's true passion emerged: science. He avidly read scientific literature, becoming particularly fascinated by Charles Darwin's evolutionary theory. This intellectual awakening propelled Cannon to pursue a medical degree at Harvard Medical School. There, under the guidance of renowned physiologist Henry Bowditch, he embarked on a life-defining journey in the field of physiology.

Early Research

Cannon's initial research explored various physiological problems. Although he did not explicitly focus on psychology, his studies had significant implications for the field. He deeply engaged with the James-Lange theory of emotions, which proposed that emotions arise from physiological changes.

Homeostasis: A Revolutionary Concept

In 1929, Cannon's unwavering dedication led him to introduce the revolutionary concept of homeostasis. By scrutinizing the James-Lange theory, he proposed that the body actively maintains a stable internal environment, responding to changes to preserve equilibrium. Homeostasis has since become a cornerstone of physiology and medicine.