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Discovering the movement of life: osmosis and microstructure in 1826
1Wellcome Unit for the History of Medicine, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
International Journal of Microcirculation, Clinical and Experimental
|January 1, 1994
Abstract:
RJH Dutrochet (1776-1847) may be remembered for his discovery of osmosis in 1826. This essay explores the meanings of that discovery within the science of the early nineteenth century, including contemporary ideas on plant and animal microstructure and on physical explanations for the phenomena of life. Dutrochet is revealed as a 'romantic' exponent of 'organic physics'.