Evolutionary physiology: history, principles

1) The history of comparative and evolutionary physiology since the early XIX century is given; 2) The methods of evolutionary physiology are described; 3) Principles of the evolution of function are discussed at every level of physiological organization (cellular, functional units of the organ, the organ itself, functional systems) as they apply to the kidney and to the regulation of salt and water balance; and 4) General questions of evolutionary physiology covering physico-chemical factors in evolution of functions, the development of the integrity of an organism, the origin of physiological adaptation, the development of interconnection of physiological systems are discussed.