Claude Bernard: On the origin of carbon monoxide poisoning

摘要: Although it was Claude Bernard who first published an accurate description of the physiology carbon monoxide poisoning, [1] this is not work for which he best known. The nineteenth century French physician and scientist renowned a wide variety physiological biological discoveries, most important pertain to glycogenic function liver, role pancreas in digestion, muscle vasomotor nerve [2]. He recognized as establishing area medical study, his magnum opus, Introduction Study Experimental Medicine considered classic scientific literature [3]. Born 1813 village Saint-Julien Beaujolais region, began career apprentice pharmacy. indifferent trainee, year half service managed mainly induce him distrust haphazard empirical methods then prevalent medicine. Years later, testimonial from pharmacist indicated that had ‘‘conducted himself honorably faithfully’’ but excluded mention showed any special talent pharmacy [4]. Among tasks compounding ‘‘theriaque’’, widely-used panacea composed opium, squills, spikenard myrrh dissolved honey wine. soon discovered available excess medicinal powders were also often appended mixture. His real interest lay becoming playwright. Having play produced provinces, proceeded Paris have literary reviewed by Saint-Marc Girardin, influential critic professor at Sorbonne. latter unimpressed, allegedly advising Bernard, ‘‘You done some pharmacy, study You temperament dramatist’’ Following advice, entered Medical College France, where graduated 1843. While school, became disciple Francois Magendie, vigorous proponent experimental method. never practiced clinical medicine, turning instead laboratory investigation teaching. wife daughters eventually abandoned when refused give up medicine order pursue more lucrative practice [5]. Upon Magendie’s death 1855, replaced lecturer France. compile lectures beginning year, 1879, comprised body fourteen volumes. In 1857, volume entitled Lecons sur les Effets des Substances Toxiques et Medicamenteuses (Lectures on effects toxic substances), constituting series * Corresponding author. Present address. 2219 Dorrington, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Tel.: /1-713-839-1170; fax: /1-713-8391467. E-mail address: jvaron@roamer.net (J. Varon).