Wilhelm Feldberg

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Wilhelm Feldberg 1990

Wilhelm Siegmund Feldberg (19 November 1900 – 23 October 1993) was a German-born British physiologist and pharmacologist. He is best known for his pioneering research in the field of neurophysiology and neuropharmacology.

Early Life and Education

Wilhelm Feldberg was born in Hamburg, Germany. He studied medicine at the University of Heidelberg and the University of Berlin, where he earned his medical degree in 1925. Feldberg then worked under the guidance of Otto Loewi, a Nobel Prize-winning pharmacologist, at the University of Graz.

Career

In 1933, due to the rise of the Nazi regime, Feldberg, who was of Jewish descent, emigrated to England. He joined the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in London, where he conducted much of his groundbreaking research.

Feldberg's work primarily focused on the chemical transmission of nerve impulses. He made significant contributions to the understanding of acetylcholine and its role in the autonomic nervous system. His research also extended to the effects of various drugs on the nervous system, which had profound implications for the development of new pharmacological treatments.

Major Contributions

One of Feldberg's most notable achievements was his research on the release of histamine and its role in allergic reactions. He also studied the effects of serotonin and other neurotransmitters on the brain and nervous system.

Feldberg's work laid the foundation for many modern treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. His research has been widely cited and continues to influence the field of neuropharmacology.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Feldberg received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1953 and was awarded the Copley Medal in 1978. Feldberg was also a member of several prestigious scientific organizations, including the British Pharmacological Society and the Physiological Society.

Personal Life

Feldberg became a British citizen in 1938. He continued to work at the NIMR until his retirement in 1971. Wilhelm Feldberg passed away on 23 October 1993 in London.

Legacy

Wilhelm Feldberg's pioneering research has had a lasting impact on the fields of neurophysiology and neuropharmacology. His work continues to be a cornerstone in the study of neurotransmitters and their role in the nervous system.

See Also

• Neurophysiology
• Neuropharmacology
• Acetylcholine
• Histamine
• Serotonin
• National Institute for Medical Research
• Royal Society