William Harvey, 1. That incomparable invention of Dr. Harvey's

Harvey's discovery of the circulation had its roots far back in his early studies in medicine at the University of Padua where he was a pupil of the famed anatomist Fabricius, who was very interested in the valves of the veins. The difference between his teacher and Harvey was Harvey's dedication to the modern concept "scientific method". Other influences on his findings included the earlier work of Erasistratus and Galen. Harvey, after a long period of experimentation, published his findings on the circulation of the blood in his famous treatise De Motu Cordis in 1628. It is noteworthy that Harvey as a clinical practitioner failed thereafter to apply his discoveries to his work as a physician. The first of two articles on Harvey, this is concerned with his work as a scientist and discoverer. The second article is devoted to his work as a medical doctor.