Robert Mayer's model of blood circulation

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Schematic representation of the hemodynamic model by Robert Mayer

Julius Robert von Mayer constructed a model of the blood circulation ( hemodynamic model ) around 1850 . It is probably the "first usable medical model [...] with which the function of the human blood circulation has found an exact representation" . Mayer's medical knowledge was completely misunderstood during his lifetime, while his physical achievements were at least recognized in his later years.

The model consists of a hand-operated piston pump, a system of pipes, valve flaps, and pressure gauges. It illustrates the pressure and flow fluctuations in the left ventricle and the main artery during the heart's action . An aortic valve can then be demonstrated. The air chamber function of the main artery hemodynamic model is also the first model to show at all. According to another view, the model could illustrate the mechanical heat equivalent .

Mayer's original model is now in the House of City History in Heilbronn.

Individual evidence

  1. ^ A b Helmut Schmolz , Hubert Weckbach: Heilbronn - history and life of a city. 2nd Edition. Anton H. Konrad Verlag, Weißenhorn 1973, p. 86, no. 236 [ hemodynamic model from Robert Mayer's estate, around 1850 ]
  2. ^ V. Thämer: A cycle model around 1850. In: Medizinhistorisches Journal. Volume 8, H. 4, 1973, pp. 323-327.
  3. ^ H. Schmolz: The riddle about a machine in the estate of Robert Mayer. In: Medical History Journal. Volume 3, H. 4, 1968, pp. 333-344.

literature

  • Helmut Schmolz : The mystery of a machine in the estate of Robert Mayer. In: Heilbronn Historical Association. Yearbook 26/1969. Heilbronn 1969, pp. 191-198.
  • Volker Thämer: A cycle model around 1850 (by Robert Mayer). In: Heilbronn Historical Association. Yearbook 28/1976. Heilbronn 1976, pp. 271-276.