230 ,years since birth of Jan Evangelista Purkyně. 180 years ago basics of cell theory were layed down
Abstract
Jan Evangelista Purkyně, born Dec. 17, 1787, was pioneer Czech experimental physiologist whose investigations in the fields of histology, embryology, and pharmacology helped create a modern understanding of the eye and vision, brain and heart function, mammalian reproduction, and the composition of cells. As a professor of physiology and pathology (1823-50) at the University of Breslau, former Prussia, Purkyně created the world's first independent department of physiology (1839) and the first official physiological laboratory, known as the Physiological Institute (1842).
He is best known for his discovery of nerve cells of the cerebellum of the brain (Purkinje cells; 1837) and of the fibres that conduct the pacemaker stimulus along the inside walls of the ventricles to all parts of the heart (Purkyně fibres; 1839). In 1838 he observed cell division, and the following year he was the first to use the word 'protoplasm' in the modern sense.
He was physically active all life long himself, and experienced and described some effects of physical activities on his own skin. Purkyně also played important role in the beginnings of the organized physical education in Czechia, and could be considered like the predecessor of the preventive concept of sports medicine.
After his return to Prague in 1850 he joined lectures of physical exercises in private Malypetr's institute, where he met later founder of Sokol organization Miroslav Tyrš. Tyrš used Purkyně's ideas when formulating basic concepts of Sokol, founded in 1862.
Purkyně died July 28, 1869.