Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Willem Einthoven's fortuitous invention.

E Shapiro

    The American Journal of Cardiology
    |December 1, 1977
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    Willem Einthoven's invention of the electrocardiograph was not a straightforward success but resulted from persistence and scientific freedom. His journey highlights the importance of diligence and clinical interest in scientific breakthroughs.

    Related Concept Videos

    You might also read

    Related Articles

    Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

    Sort by
    Same author

    Age-specific vulnerabilities in paediatric dental emergencies before, during, and after COVID-19 lockdown: a retrospective comparative analysis with emphasis on early childhood (0-3 years).

    European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry·2025
    Same author

    Increasing precision in the measurement of change in pediatric neurodegenerative disease.

    Molecular genetics and metabolism·2022
    Same author

    Early psychological interventions for prevention and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress symptoms in post-partum women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

    PloS one·2021
    Same author

    Response to: Investigating the neurobehavioral symptoms of neuronopathic Hunter syndrome.

    Molecular genetics and metabolism reports·2020
    Same author

    The American Academy of Pediatrics Workforce Survey for the Section on Urology 2015.

    Journal of pediatric urology·2017
    Same author

    The Neurobehavioral Phenotype in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB: an Exploratory Study.

    Molecular genetics and metabolism reports·2016
    Same journal

    Real-World Effectiveness and Tolerability of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Octogenarian Patients With Heart Failure: Results From the PARACHUTER Study.

    The American journal of cardiology·2026
    Same journal

    ECG-Guided Conduction Pathways as a Lever to Shorten Post-TAVI Hospitalization.

    The American journal of cardiology·2026
    Same journal

    Cystatin-C versus creatinine and kidney function in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: a SOGALDI-PEF analysis.

    The American journal of cardiology·2026
    Same journal

    Balloon-expandable versus Self-expanding Valves in Patients with Small Aortic Annuli Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement.

    The American journal of cardiology·2026
    Same journal

    Drug-Coated Balloons versus Drug-Eluting Stents following Coronary Atherectomy in Severely Calcified Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    The American journal of cardiology·2026
    Same journal

    Prehospital Statin Therapy and Outcomes in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

    The American journal of cardiology·2026
    See all related articles

    Area of Science:

    • Medical history
    • Biomedical engineering
    • Physiology

    Background:

    • Willem Einthoven's path to inventing the electrocardiograph involved initial setbacks.
    • His early career as an investigator was marked by several 'false starts'.
    • The prevailing assumption of immediate success is contrasted with his actual investigative journey.

    Discussion:

    • Einthoven's discovery was influenced by the scientific freedom characteristic of his era.
    • His personal attributes, including diligence and a strong clinical interest, were crucial.
    • The narrative challenges a simplistic view of scientific invention, emphasizing process over instant results.

    Key Insights:

    • Scientific breakthroughs often arise from persistent effort and overcoming initial challenges.

    Related Experiment Videos

  • The environment of scientific freedom can foster significant innovation.
  • Willem Einthoven's story underscores the interplay of personal drive and contextual factors in discovery.

    • Outlook:

    • Further research into the historical context of early medical device development.
    • Exploring the impact of scientific freedom on innovation across different historical periods.
    • Analyzing the role of individual perseverance in the history of science and technology.