Leonard Erskine Hill

Leonard Erskine Hill‏‎ (1866–1952) was a prominent British physiologist known for his significant contributions to the field of respiratory physiology. He was born on March 2, 1866, in Bruce Castle, Tottenham, London, and died on June 30, 1952.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Hill was born into a family of scientists. His father, Sir John Hill, was a well-known botanist, and his grandfather, Sir Leonard Hill, was a renowned geologist. He attended the University College School in London before enrolling at the University College London (UCL) to study medicine.

Career[edit | edit source]

After completing his medical studies, Hill joined the UCL as a lecturer in physiology. He later became a professor and served in this position for over 30 years. During his tenure, he made significant contributions to the understanding of blood pressure and respiration.

Hill is best known for his work on the effects of altitude on the human body. He conducted several experiments on himself and his students, which led to the development of the Hill Aeroplane Table. This device simulated the effects of high altitude on the human body and was used to train pilots during World War I.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Hill's work has had a lasting impact on the field of respiratory physiology. His research on blood pressure and respiration has been instrumental in the development of modern medical treatments and therapies. His contributions to the understanding of the effects of altitude on the human body have also been invaluable in the field of aviation medicine.