The priority dispute over the function of the lymphatic system and Glisson's ghost (the 18th-century Hunter-Monro Feud).
Basic Immunology has had only two significant public priority disputes. The first began in the late 1650s and concerned the recognition of the peripheral network of vessels which collects lymph throughout the body. The publication of this major anatomical discovery prompted a priority feud discussed in a previous paper. The subject of this essay is the second dispute which occurred a century later in the late 1750s. It focused on the function of the lymphatic system and precipitated a heated war of words between a young Scotch medical graduate (Alexander Monro) and a noted London anatomist (William Hunter). Their published charges and responses ranged from feigned respect to ad hominen invectives. But in retrospect, the priority claims of both were precluded by the observations and speculations of an Englishman (Francis Glisson) a full century before. The several editions of his work were unknown to Hunter and Monro at the inception of their feud.
Ambrose
Charles T
CT
Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. cambros@uky.edu
D000486:Allergy and Immunology / Q000266:history*; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D049671:History, 18th Century; D006801:Humans; D008208:Lymphatic System / Q000276:immunology*; D015871:Scientific Misconduct / Q000266:history