Cor Vasa 2003, 44(4):201-211

The evolution of knowledge about the pulmonary circulation I. Until the twentieth century

Martin Riedel
Deutsches Herzzentrum und I. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität, München, Německo

This review describes the fascinating story of events and discoveries that led to our present understanding of the structure, tasks and function of the pulmonary circulation. Although an important part of our scientific heritage goes back to the ancient Greeks, who desired to know without a need for practical application, the real story begins four hundred years ago, in the times of Vesalius and Harvey, Copernicus and Galileo, to mention a few of the founders of modern scientific methods. It is surprising and amazing at the same time that the most important element for life, oxygen, and the real purpose of the pulmonary circulation were completely unknown only a little more than 200 years ago.

Keywords: Pulmonary circulation; Gas exchange; Evolution; History

Published: April 1, 2003  Show citation

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Riedel M. The evolution of knowledge about the pulmonary circulation I. Until the twentieth century. Cor Vasa. 2003;44(4):201-211.
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