Biomedical Science History

Pulmonary Oxygen Toxicity: Investigation and Mentoring

At sea level oxygen is toxic to man when breathed for more than twenty-four hours at a percentage greater than about forty percent. Pulmonary pathology is the first manifestation in subjects with previously normal lungs. In patients with pre-existing lung disease the results are often additive. There is, however, great variation in response from subject to subject and between patients. Queen’s Belfast and Harvard University Medical School have been the sites of seminal investigations. Article includes historic look at James Lorrain Smith's work in this field. James Lorrain Smith was one of the original founders of the IBMS in 1912. (January 2008)

Midland pioneers - a medical miscellany

The English Midlands may be remembered as the cradle of the Indutsrial Revolution but it also produced its fair share of medical pioneers. Here, Kenneth Hughes explores all kinds of medical characters who had one thing in common, they were all born or based in the Midlands. (October 2006)

A brief history of blood transfusion

The use of blood as a product can be traced back to the 17th century, although the greatest advances in its therapeutic was prompted by the worldwide conflicts of the first half of the 20th century. Here, Anthony J Harding puts transfusion science into historical perspective. (Nov 2005)

From Matula to Mass Spectrometry

A history of urine tests in the investigation of human disease The booklet that accompany an exhibition presented by the IBMS Historical Section Committee at IBMS Biomedical Science Congress 2005 and was produced in association with Bayer Diagnostics. (Sept 2005)

The history of cytology

Cytology is often thought of as a pathology discipline of the 20th and 21st century but it has roots going back to more than 300 years ago. (July 2004)

A brief history of virology

John Bertrand FIBMS looks at the brief history of virology. (2004)

Discovery of DNA: story behind a photo

The photo of the original DNA model has become a scientific icon - yet the moment might never have been captured. (2003)

The Institute of Biomedical Science: celebrating 90 years

A chronological history of the Institute since it was founded in 1912 by Albert Norman. The Institute was the first pathology professional body to be founded.

100 years of virology

100 years of virology was published by the IBMS Historical Committee and launched at the IBMS Biomedical Science Congress 2001.

Alec Leete recalls his first day in a laboratory

His essay, entitled 'My first day in the laboratory' won first prize in the IBMS Millennium Essay Competition. (2000)

Links

London museums of health and medicine
Everyone has an interest in health, and visits to London's museums of health and medicine will reveal the fascinating range and diversity of the subject.
medicalmuseums.org