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5. The Reception of Harvey's Discoveries

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About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we take a closer look at how Harvey's discovery was received amongst physicians at the time. Many doctors were reticent to accept Harvey's theory due to general conservatism, his use of mathematics in his experiments, and different beliefs about the function of the heart. However, by around 1650, Harvey's theory was widely accepted among physicians.

Course

In this course, Professor Andrew Gregory (UCL) explores the life of William Harvey and his discovery of the circulation of the blood. We will look at why Harvey's discovery is so important and why it was such a difficult discovery to make given the medical perceptions of the time.

Lecturer

Andrew Gregory is professor of the history and philosophy of science at University College, London. His research interests include ancient science, the relation of religion and science, and William Harvey. He has written widely on Harvey, including his book Harvey's Heart: The Discovery of Blood Circulation.