Uncertain Readings The present study outlines the interaction between precision and uncertainty in the scientific milieu of electrophysiology during the 1830s and 1840s. The introduction of the galvanometer marked the beginning of a new phase in animal electricity research. Whereas phenomena such as the shock produced by electric ray and the electric eel and the twitch of the frog's leg, hitherto had constituted the main body of evidence of the existence of animal electricity, the introduction of the galvanometer drew attention to instrumental rather than organic features. The German physiologist Emil du Bois-Reymond was one of the most eager advocates of the new electromagnetical technique. The article gives a picture of his efforts to convince himself as well as the contemporary scientific community of the accuracy of his experimental equipment. It also reflects on du Bois-Reymonds doubts and feelings of uncertainty and comments upon the contemporary scientific debates on the topic.
...MoreDescription Looks at how Emil du Bois-Reymond advocated new electromagnetical techniques in electrophysiology during the 1830s and 40s and the role of the galvanometer.
Article Jülich, Solveig (2004) Inledning: Tema Teknomedicin. Polhem: Tidskrift för Teknikhistoria (p. 5).
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