title: Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier (1743-1794) and the birth of respiratory physiology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For more than 1500 years, the status of knowledge concerning the physiology of human respiration has remained almost unchanged. In the 18th century, the French chemist Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier conducted breathing experiments on human and animal respiration.
  
  
  METHODS
  The main bibliographic sources concerning Lavoisier's life and work on respiration have been investigated and analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Using an ice-calorimeter, Lavoisier proved that combustion and respiration were one and the same. He also measured the oxygen consumed during respiration and concluded that the amount changes depending on human activities: exercise, eating, fasting, and sitting in a warm or cold room. Moreover, he found variations in pulse and breathing rate.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lavoisier's work on respiration is of great historical significance as it represents the first effort to measure human respiratory gas metabolism contributing significantly to the development of respiratory physiology.
authors.affiliation: History of Medicine Department, Medical School, University of Athens, , Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karamanou
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Androutsos
mesh_terms: D005602:France; D049671:History, 18th Century; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D010827:Physiology / Q000266:history*; D012119:Respiration
keywords: Lung Physiology; Not Applicable