Francis Glisson

Francis Glisson (1597 – 14 October 1677) was a British physician, anatomist, and writer, who made significant contributions to the field of medicine in the 17th century. He is best known for his research on the liver, the discovery of the Glisson's capsule, and his work on rickets, a disease affecting children's bones. Glisson's work laid foundational knowledge for future medical discoveries and he is considered a pioneer in the study of pediatric diseases and hepatology.

Early Life and Education

Francis Glisson was born in 1597 in Rampisham, Dorset, England. He attended Rampisham Grammar School before going on to study at Cambridge University, where he was a member of Gonville and Caius College. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1617 and his Master of Arts degree in 1620. Glisson continued his studies at Cambridge, earning a Bachelor of Medicine in 1634 and later a Doctor of Medicine in 1635.

Career

After completing his education, Glisson remained at Cambridge University, where he became a fellow and later a professor. His early work focused on the anatomy and function of the liver, leading to the discovery of what is now known as Glisson's capsule, a fibrous layer covering the external surface of the liver. This discovery was significant as it was one of the first detailed descriptions of a specific anatomical structure related to the liver.

In addition to his work on the liver, Glisson made significant contributions to the understanding of rickets, a disease that affects bone development in children. In 1650, he published "De Rachitide," also known as "A Treatise of the Rickets," which was the first comprehensive work on the disease. In this treatise, Glisson described the symptoms, pathology, and possible causes of rickets, marking a significant advancement in pediatric medicine.

Glisson's interest in medicine was not limited to hepatology and pediatrics. He also contributed to the understanding of the digestive system and was involved in early studies of the nervous system, particularly in exploring the concept of irritability, a term he coined to describe the sensitivity of tissue to stimuli.

Legacy

Francis Glisson's contributions to medicine were widely recognized during his lifetime and continue to be celebrated today. His work on the liver and the discovery of Glisson's capsule remain foundational in the field of hepatology. His comprehensive study on rickets has also had a lasting impact on pediatric medicine. Glisson was a member of the Royal College of Physicians and served as its president from 1667 to 1669. He was also a founding member of the Royal Society, an institution dedicated to promoting scientific research.

Glisson's approach to medicine, which combined careful observation with detailed anatomical studies, set a precedent for future medical research. His work exemplifies the transition from medieval to modern science, emphasizing the importance of empirical evidence and the scientific method in medical inquiry.

Selected Works

• De Rachitide (1650) - A Treatise of the Rickets
• Anatomia Hepatis (1654) - On the Anatomy of the Liver
• Several papers on the nature of irritability and the function of the digestive system

Death

Francis Glisson passed away on 14 October 1677. His legacy lives on through his contributions to medical science and his influence on future generations of physicians and anatomists.