Animals in Research
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Animals in Research
Some of the earliest recorded studies involving animals were performed by
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), who revealed anatomical differences among animals by
dissecting them (Rowan, 1984). The Greek physician Galen (A.D. 129-199)
maintained that experimentation led to scientific progress and is said to have
been the first to conduct demonstrations with live animals--specifically pigs-a
practice later extended to other species and termed "vivisection" (Loew, 1982).
However, it was not until the sixteenth century that many experiments on animals
began to be recorded. In 1628, William Harvey published his work on the heart
and the movement of blood in animals (French, 1975). In the 18OOs, when France
became one of the leading centers of experimental biology and medicine-marked by
the work of such scientists as Francis Magendie in experimental physiology,
Claude Bernard in experimental medicine, and Louis Pasteur in microbiology and
immunology-investigators regularly used animals in biomedical research (McGrew,
1985).
Research in biology progressed at an increasing pace starting around 1850, with
many of the advances resulting from experiments involving animals. Helmholtz
studied the physical and chemical activities associated with the nerve impulse;
Virchow developed the science of cellular pathology, which led the way to a more
rational understanding of disease processes; Pasteur began the studies that led
to immunization for anthrax and inoculation for rabies; and Koch started a long
series of studies that would firmly establish the germ theory of disease. Lister
performed the first antiseptic surgery in 1878, and Metchnikoff discovered the
antibacterial activities of white blood cells in 1884. The first hormone was
extracted in 1902. Ehrlich developed a chemical treatment for syphilis in 1909,
and laboratory tissue culture began in 1910. By 1912, nutritional deficiencies
were sufficiently well understood to allow...
Some of the earliest recorded studies involving animals were performed by
Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), who revealed anatomical differences among animals by
dissecting them (Rowan, 1984). The Greek physician Galen (A.D. 129-199)
maintained that experimentation led to scientific progress and is said to have
been the first to conduct demonstrations with live animals--specifically pigs-a
practice later extended to other species and termed "vivisection" (Loew, 1982).
However, it was not until the sixteenth century that many experiments on animals
began to be recorded. In 1628, William Harvey published his work on the heart
and the movement of blood in animals (French, 1975). In the 18OOs, when France
became one of the leading centers of experimental biology and medicine-marked by
the work of such scientists as Francis Magendie in experimental physiology,
Claude Bernard in experimental medicine, and Louis Pasteur in microbiology and
immunology-investigators regularly used animals in biomedical research (McGrew,
1985).
Research in biology progressed at an increasing pace starting around 1850, with
many of the advances resulting from experiments involving animals. Helmholtz
studied the physical and chemical activities associated with the nerve impulse;
Virchow developed the science of cellular pathology, which led the way to a more
rational understanding of disease processes; Pasteur began the studies that led
to immunization for anthrax and inoculation for rabies; and Koch started a long
series of studies that would firmly establish the germ theory of disease. Lister
performed the first antiseptic surgery in 1878, and Metchnikoff discovered the
antibacterial activities of white blood cells in 1884. The first hormone was
extracted in 1902. Ehrlich developed a chemical treatment for syphilis in 1909,
and laboratory tissue culture began in 1910. By 1912, nutritional deficiencies
were sufficiently well understood to allow...