James Bell Pettigrew

James Bell Pettigrew (26 May 1834 – 30 January 1908) was a Scottish anatomist and physiologist known for his pioneering research in animal locomotion. He was also a keen naturalist and antiquarian.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Pettigrew was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland. He attended the University of Edinburgh, where he studied medicine and anatomy. He graduated with a degree in medicine in 1859.

Career[edit | edit source]

After graduation, Pettigrew worked as a lecturer in anatomy at the University of Edinburgh. He later became a professor of anatomy at the University of Dundee. Pettigrew's research focused on the mechanics of animal locomotion, particularly in birds and fish. He was one of the first scientists to study the flight of birds in a systematic and scientific manner. His work in this area led to significant advancements in the understanding of aerodynamics.

Pettigrew also made significant contributions to the field of cardiology. He was the first to describe the heart as a "double spiral" and to explain the mechanics of the heart's pumping action in terms of physics.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Pettigrew's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of anatomy, physiology, and cardiology. His research on animal locomotion has been instrumental in the development of modern aerodynamics and aviation. His description of the heart's pumping action has also been fundamental to our understanding of cardiac physiology.