Emil du Bois-Reymond vs Ludimar Hermann

C R Biol. 2006 May-Jun;329(5-6):340-7. doi: 10.1016/j.crvi.2006.03.005. Epub 2006 Apr 17.

Abstract

This essay recounts a controversy between a pioneer electrophysiologist, Emil du Bois-Reymond (1818-1896), and his student, Ludimar Hermann (1838-1914). Du Bois-Reymond proposed a molecular explanation for the slight electrical currents that he detected in frog muscles and nerves. Hermann argued that du Bois-Reymond's 'resting currents' were an artifact of injury to living tissue. He contested du Bois-Reymond's molecular model, explaining his teacher's observations as electricity produced by chemical decomposition. History has painted Hermann as the wrong party in this dispute. I seek to set the record straight.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Electrophysiology / history
  • History, 19th Century
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurosciences / history*
  • Students, Medical
  • Switzerland

Personal name as subject

  • Emil du Bois-Reymond
  • Ludimar Hermann