William Harvey

Who was William Harvey?

William Harvey was an English doctor who studied medicine at university in Cambridge and Padua. He specialised in physiology, and was physician to both James I and Charles I in England.

How did Harvey challenge the work of Galen?

He challenged Galen's understanding that blood was made in the liver and that it was used as fuel. Harvey believed blood circulated around the body. This marked the beginning of the end of Galen's superiority.

How did Harvey explain blood circulation?

Harvey demonstrated how the heart was a pump for moving blood around the body. He used valves from a dissected heart to demonstrate that blood could only flow in one direction.

What were the limitations of Harvey's understanding of blood circulation?

Harvey's understanding of blood circulation was limited in 2 main ways.

• ❖ He did not understand why blood needed to circulate around the body.
• ❖ He did not know why blood in the arteries was different from blood in the veins.

Why did Harvey face resistance from other doctors?

Harvey made a major discovery, but the medical community was resistant to change for 3 key reasons.

• ❖ Blood transfusions to combat blood loss were now attempted, as Harvey's work demonstrated that this was essential. These attempts failed because there was a lack of understanding of blood groups. Therefore, his work was seen as not having much practical application.
• ❖ After so many years of Church dominance, during which Galen's theories ruled medical understanding, people were reluctant to accept alternative information.
• ❖ As Harvey did not know why blood needed to circulate, or why the blood in arteries and veins was different, some other doctors rejected his ideas.

What was the significance of Harvey's work?

His theory of circulation was the first step towards blood transfusions becoming possible, and therefore saving lives. He was also one of the first to question Galen. However, his impact at the time was small.

Which factors contributed to Harvey's discovery?

There were 4 main factors that helped Harvey's discovery.

• ❖ As an individual, Harvey was skilled, and was employed by Charles I. This gave him credibility and popularity.
• ❖ Institutions such as the Church were declining in popularity and influence, which meant that more people were challenging Galen's work.
• ❖ Harvey was inspired by new technology, such as the mechanical water pump.
• ❖ Attitudes in society were changing. People were seeking scientific explanations during the Renaissance. This influenced medicine in terms of people's understanding of the body, and the diagnosis and treatment of illness.

How did people react to Harvey's discovery?

People reacted to Harvey's discovery in 4 main ways.

• ❖ Some criticised Harvey and said that he was mad to suggest that blood circulated in the body.
• ❖ His ideas went against Galen, and some doctors refused to support him as a result.
• ❖ French anatomist Jean Riolan called Harvey a 'circulator', which meant that he was a 'quack'.
• ❖ Although some opposed him, his theory was accepted by many during his life.