The Organism as a Chemical Laboratory: Organic Chemistry and Medical Systems in the First Half of XIXth Century

Abstract

The chemical revolution which arose between XVIIIth and XIXth centuries, had a special influence on the studies about living organisms and medicine. the idea was that the laboratory's discoveries could be applied to all the chemical transformation occurring into the human body. This point of view allowed the development of experimental physiolgy and led to the birth of physiologycal chemistry; it influenced also a new theoretical discussion in medicine, by suggesting possible application to diagnostic and therapy. Paradoxically, in consideration of the importance of iatrochemistry in last centuries, the chemical revolution had a really small influence on medicine systems.