This book consists of 23 essays about prominent people and events in the
history of respiratory physiology. It provides a first-hand chronicle of
the advancements made in respiratory physiology starting with Galen and
the beginnings of Western physiology. The volume covers every aspect of
the evolution of this important area of knowledge: pulmonary
circulation, Boyle's Law, pulmonary capillaries and alveoli, morphology,
gas exchange and blood flow, mechanics, control of ventilation, and
comparative physiology. The book emphasizes societal and philosophical
aspects of the history of science. Although it concentrates on
physiology, it also describes how cultural movements, such as The
Enlightenment, shaped the researchers discussed.
This book is published on behalf of the American Physiological Society
by Springer. Access to APS books published with Springer is free to APS
members.