Discovering the movement of life: osmosis and microstructure in 1826.
RJH Dutrochet (1776-1847) may be remembered for his discovery of osmosis in 1826. This essay explores the meanings of that discovery within the science of the early nineteenth century, including contemporary ideas on plant and animal microstructure and on physical explanations for the phenomena of life. Dutrochet is revealed as a 'romantic' exponent of 'organic physics'.
Wellcome Unit for the History of Medicine, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
J V
JV
Pickstone
D000818:Animals; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D002477:Cells; D005602:France; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D009995:Osmosis / Q000502:physiology; D010827:Physiology / Q000266:history