Pavlov as a scientist. Ivan Petrovich Pavlov: a brief biography and contribution to science

Not a single physiologist of the world was as famous as Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, the creator of the materialistic doctrine of the higher nervous activity of animals and humans. This doctrine is of great practical importance in medicine and pedagogy, in philosophy and psychology, in sports, work, in any human activity - everywhere it serves as the basis and starting point.

The main directions of Pavlov's scientific activity are the study of the physiology of blood circulation, digestion and higher nervous activity. The scientist developed methods of surgical operations to create an "isolated ventricle" and the imposition of fistulas of the digestive glands, applied a new approach for his time - a "chronic experiment", which allows observations to be made on practically healthy animals in conditions as close as possible to natural ones. This method made it possible to minimize the distorting effect of "acute" experiments requiring serious surgical intervention, separation of parts of the body and anesthesia of the animal. Using the "isolated ventricle" method, Pavlov established the presence of two phases of juice secretion: neuro-reflex and humoral-clinical.

The next stage in the scientific activity of Ivan Petrovich Pavlov is the study of higher nervous activity. The transition from work in the field of digestion was due to his ideas about the adaptive nature of the activity of the digestive glands. Pavlov believed that adaptive phenomena are determined not just by reflexes from the oral cavity: the cause should be sought in mental excitation. As new data on the functioning of the external parts of the brain were obtained, a new scientific discipline was formed - the science of higher nervous activity. It was based on the idea of ​​dividing reflexes (mental factors) into conditional and unconditional.

Pavlov and his collaborators discovered the laws of formation and extinction of conditioned reflexes; proved that conditioned reflex activity is carried out with the participation of the cerebral cortex. In the cerebral cortex, the center of inhibition was discovered - the antipode of the center of excitation; different types and types of braking (external, internal) were investigated; the laws of distribution and narrowing of the sphere of action of excitation and inhibition - the main nervous processes - were discovered; the problems of sleep are studied and its phases are established; the protective role of inhibition was studied; the role of the collision of the processes of excitation and inhibition in the emergence of neuroses has been studied.

Pavlov became widely known for his theory of the types of the nervous system, which is also based on ideas about the relationship between the processes of excitation and inhibition.

Finally, another merit of Pavlov is the doctrine of signal systems. In addition to the first signal system, which is also inherent in animals, a person also has a second signal system - a special form of higher nervous activity associated with speech function and abstract thinking.

Pavlov formulated ideas about the analytical and synthetic activity of the brain and created the doctrine of analyzers, the localization of functions in the cerebral cortex and the systemic nature of the work of the cerebral hemispheres.

The scientific work of Ivan Petrovich Pavlov had a huge impact on the development of related fields - medicine and biology, left a noticeable mark in psychiatry and psychology. Under the influence of his ideas, major scientific schools were formed in therapy, surgery, psychiatry, and neuropathology. psychology nervous pavlov

In 1904 Ivan Petrovich Pavlov was awarded the Nobel Prize for research into the mechanisms of digestion.

In 1907 Pavlov was elected a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences; foreign member of the Royal Society of London.

In 1915 He was awarded the Copley Medal of the Royal Society of London.

In 1928 became an honorary member of the Royal Society of Physicians of London.

In 1935 at the age of 86 (!) Pavlov chaired the sessions of the 15th International Physiological Congress, held in Moscow and Leningrad.

Analysis of the biographical creative path of Ivan Petrovich Pavlov

As I read various biographies of Ivan Petrovich, an image of an icebreaker, a tank, which makes its way through the jungle, ice, through, leading people like a tug of a caravan of ships, was created in my imagination. Feeling the inexhaustible energy that bubbles up from this great human being, the feeling of unshakable power, closely intertwined with a passion for science. A man with self-respect, a brilliant thinker, at the same time he was a very modest patriot of his Motherland who did not tolerate admiration for himself.

One gets the impression that it was not the circumstances, not the people around him that formed him as a scientist, but he himself! Exclusively due to his diligence, perseverance in achieving the goal, his ardent love for physiology. Moreover, by his example, assistance, Ivan Petrovich helped the formation of many other scientists.

The creative path of I.P. Pavlov begins in a small experimental laboratory at the clinic of the outstanding Russian therapist S.P. Botkin in. Here, in a cramped room, his first brilliant ones were made; here he took shape in the idea of ​​nervism - an idea that formed the basis of all his further research.

Photo: en.wikipedia.org

Under nervism, Pavlov understood the broad influence of the central nervous system on the entire vital activity of the organism.

I. P. Pavlov's dissertation for the degree of doctor was devoted to the description of the nerve he discovered, which enhances the work of the heart. young scientist in the field of cardiac physiology brought a lot of new things to the solution of the problem of self-regulation of blood pressure.

However, this was only the threshold of other, deeply original, truly innovative works ...
Photo: en.wikipedia.org

One of the most important problems is the physiology of digestion. Scientists have long been interested in those invisible changes that occur with food in the body. How, under the influence of what forces are food substances digested in the stomach, broken down, changed, turning into cells and tissues of the organism itself?

By the time Pavlov began his search, many discoveries had already been made in this area. However, much was still unclear. The main difficulty was the lack of a method - it seemed impossible to follow the course of digestion in a healthy organism. Most often, the so-called "acute experiment" was used, when a tube was inserted into the pancreas of an animal under anesthesia and the secretion of juice was monitored. There were other attempts - to sew a glass or lead tube into the pancreatic duct, but the operation caused an inflammatory process.

Neither method satisfied Pavlov. I was interested not in the action of one isolated organ, but in the whole organism, its connections and interactions with the environment. Pavlov believed that the study of the usual, normal reactions of an animal to irritation was of particular importance.

Photo: en.wikipedia.org

In 1879, Pavlov managed to carry out a classic operation. Having imposed a permanent fistula (fistula - hole) of the pancreas on the dog and having ensured that the animal remained healthy after that, he was able to observe the normal course of digestion. Subsequently, other operations brilliant in technique and original in concept were made in Pavlov's laboratories. Fistulas were placed on the stomach and intestines of the animals, and the ducts of the salivary glands were brought out.

At all times, the Russian land was famous for talented people who were able to accomplish both a military feat and a great scientific discovery. Each such person deserves the closest attention from the public. One of these pundits is Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, whose brief biography will be studied in the article as detailed as possible.

Birth

The future brilliant scientist was born on September 26, 1849 in the city of Ryazan. The progenitors of our hero, both on the father's side and on the mother's side, devoted their entire lives to serving God in the Russian Orthodox Church. Ivan's father's name was Pyotr Dmitrievich, and his mother's name was Varvara Ivanovna.

Education

In 1864, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, whose biography is interesting to numerous readers even many years after his death, successfully graduated from the theological seminary. However, while studying in the last year of this educational institution, he read a book about the reflexes of the brain, which completely turned his mind and worldview.

In 1870, Pavlov became a full-time student at the law faculty of St. Petersburg University. This is largely due to the fact that the former seminarians at that time were very limited in choosing their future fate. But literally two weeks later he was transferred to the natural department. Ivan chose the study of the physiology of various animals as a specialization.

Scientific activity

Being a follower of Sechenov, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (his biography contains many interesting facts) for ten years sought to get a gastrointestinal fistula. The scientist also experimented with cutting the esophagus in such a way that food did not enter the stomach. Thanks to these experiments, the researcher found out the nuances of the secretion of gastric juice.

In 1903, Pavlov acted as a speaker at an international conference in Madrid. And the very next year, the scientist was awarded the Nobel Prize for in-depth study of the functional features of the glands of the digestive system.

Loud performance

In the spring of 1918, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, whose brief biography can let the reader understand his impressive contribution to science, gave a course of burning lectures. In these scientific works, the professor spoke about the human mind in general and about Russian in particular. It is worth noting that in his speeches the scientist very critically analyzed the subtleties and nuances of the Russian mentality, especially noting the lack of discipline of an intellectual nature.

Temptation

There is information that during the period of civil armed confrontation and total communism, which did not allocate any money to Pavlov for research, he received an offer from the Swedish Academy of Sciences to move to Stockholm. In the capital of this Scandinavian state, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (his biography and his merits command respect) could get the most comfortable conditions for his scientific work. However, our great compatriot categorically rejected this proposal, arguing that he loves his native land very much and is not going to move anywhere.

After some time, the top Soviet leadership issued an order to build an institute near Leningrad. In this institution, the scientist worked until 1936.

curious moment

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (the biography and interesting facts of the life of this academician cannot be ignored) was a very big fan of gymnastics, and in general he was an ardent supporter of a healthy lifestyle. That is why he created a society in which hardened fans of exercise and cycling gathered. In this circle, the scientist was even the chairman.

Death

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (a brief biography does not allow describing all his virtues) died on February 27, 1936 in Leningrad. According to various sources, the cause of death is considered pneumonia or the effect of poison. Based on the will of the deceased, he was buried according to Orthodox canons in the church in Koltushi. After that, the body of the deceased was transported to the Tauride Palace, where they held an official farewell ceremony for him. Near the coffin was put up a guard of honor from among the scientists of various educational institutions and members of the Academy of Sciences. They interred a scientist in a cemetery called Literary Bridges.

Scientific contribution

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, whose biography and scientific achievements did not go unnoticed by his contemporaries, even after his death had a significant impact on medicine. The deceased professor became a truly symbol of Soviet science, and many considered his achievements in this area as a real ideological feat. Under the guise of "defending Pavlov's heritage" in 1950, a session of the USSR Academy of Sciences was held, at which many luminaries of physiology were seriously persecuted, expressing their vision of some fundamental positions of research and experiments. In fairness, it should be said that such a policy was contrary to the principles that Pavlov professed during his lifetime.

Conclusion

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, whose brief biography is given above, had many awards. In addition to the Nobel Prize, the scientist was awarded the Kotenius medal, the Copley medal and the Krunov lecture.

In 1935, the man was recognized as "the elder of the physiology of the world." He received this title during the 15th International Congress of Physiologists. We point out that neither before nor after him, not a single representative of biology could receive the same title and was not so glorified.

An outstanding Russian physiologist, the discoverer of the conditioned reflex. The first domestic scientist awarded the Nobel Prize (1904). Corresponding member (1901), academician (1907) of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences (1917), USSR Academy of Sciences (1925).

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov was born on September 14 (26), 1849 in the family of Pyotr Dmitrievich Pavlov (1823-1899), a priest of the Nikolo-Vysokovskaya Church in.

In 1860-1864, IP Pavlov studied at the Ryazan Theological School, in 1864-1870 - at the Ryazan Theological Seminary. In 1870 he moved to and until 1875 studied at St. Petersburg University (first at the Faculty of Law, then at the natural department of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics). He graduated from the university with a PhD in natural sciences.

After graduating from the university in 1875, I.P. Pavlov entered the 3rd year of the Medical-Surgical Academy (since 1881 - the Military Medical Academy), which he graduated in 1879 with a gold medal and began working in the physiological laboratory of the clinic S.P. Botkin, conducting research on the physiology of blood circulation.

In 1883, I. P. Pavlov defended his doctoral dissertation "On the centrifugal nerves of the heart." In 1884-1886, the scientist went on a business trip abroad to improve his knowledge in Breslau (now Wroclaw in Poland) and Leipzig (Germany), where he trained in the laboratories of the leading German physiologists of that time R. Heidenhain and K. Ludwig.

In 1890, I. P. Pavlov was elected professor and head of the department of pharmacology at the Military Medical Academy, and in 1896 - head of the department of physiology, which he led until 1924. At the same time (since 1890) I. P. Pavlov was in charge of the physiological laboratory at the then organized Imperial Institute of Experimental Medicine.

In 1901, IP Pavlov was elected a corresponding member, and in 1907 a full member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences.

In 1904, IP Pavlov was awarded the Nobel Prize for many years of research into the mechanisms of digestion.

From 1925 until the end of his life, IP Pavlov headed the Institute of Physiology of the USSR Academy of Sciences.

IP Pavlov was elected a member and an honorary member of many foreign academies, universities and societies. In 1935, at the XV International Congress of Physiologists, for many years of scientific work, he was awarded the honorary title of "Elder Physiologists of the World" (neither before nor after I.P. Pavlov, not a single scientist was awarded such an honor).

I. P. Pavlov died on February 27, 1936. He was buried at the Literary bridges of the Volkovsky cemetery.

In the course of his research activities, I. P. Pavlov introduced into practice a chronic experiment that makes it possible to study the activity of a practically healthy organism. With the help of the method of conditioned reflexes developed by him, he was able to establish that the basis of mental activity is the physiological processes occurring in the cerebral cortex. IP Pavlov's research in the field of physiology of higher nervous activity had a great influence on the development of physiology, medicine, psychology and pedagogy.

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov is a Nobel Prize winner and an internationally recognized scientific authority. Being a talented scientist, he made a significant contribution to the development of psychology and physiology. It is he who is considered the founder of such a scientific direction as he made a number of major discoveries in the field of digestion regulation, and also founded a physiological school in Russia.

Parents

The biography of Pavlov Ivan Petrovich begins in 1849. It was then that the future academician was born in the city of Ryazan. His Dmitrievich came from a peasant family and worked as a priest in one of the small parishes. Independent and truthful, he constantly clashed with his superiors, and therefore did not live well. Pyotr Dmitrievich loved life, had good health and loved to work in the garden and garden.

Varvara Ivanovna, Ivan's mother, came from a spiritual family. In her younger years, she was cheerful, cheerful and healthy. But frequent childbirth (there were 10 children in the family) greatly undermined her well-being. Varvara Ivanovna had no education, but diligence and natural intelligence turned her into a skilled educator of her own children.

Childhood

The future academician Pavlov Ivan was the firstborn in the family. Childhood years left an indelible mark on his memory. As he matured, he recalled: “I remember very clearly my first visit to the house. Surprisingly, I was only a year old, and the nanny carried me in her arms. Another vivid recollection speaks for the fact that I remember myself early. When my mother's brother was buried, I was carried out in my arms to say goodbye to him. This scene is still in front of my eyes."

Ivan grew up fervent and healthy. He enjoyed playing with his sisters and younger brothers. He also helped his mother (in household chores) and his father (when building a house and in a garden). His sister L.P. Andreeva spoke about this period of her life as follows: “Ivan always remembered dad with gratitude. He was able to instill in him the habit of work, accuracy, accuracy and order in everything. Our mother had tenants. Being a hard worker, she tried to do everything herself. But all the children idolized her and tried to help: bring water, heat the stove, chop wood. Little Ivan had to deal with all this.

School and trauma

He began to study literacy at the age of 8, but he only got to school at 11. It was all the fault of the case: once a boy laid out apples on a platform to dry. He stumbled, fell off the stairs and fell straight onto the stone floor. The bruise was quite strong, and Ivan fell ill. The boy turned pale, lost weight, lost his appetite and began to sleep badly. His parents tried to treat him at home, but nothing helped. Once the abbot of the Trinity Monastery came to visit the Pavlovs. Seeing the sickly boy, he took him to him. Enhanced nutrition, clean air and regular gymnastics returned Ivan strength and health. The guardian turned out to be a smart, kind and highly educated person. He drove and read a lot. These qualities made a strong impression on the boy. The first book that Academician Pavlov received in his youth from the hegumen was the fables of I. A. Krylov. The boy learned it by heart and carried his love for the fabulist through his whole life. This book has always been on the scientist's desk.

Seminary training

In 1864, under the influence of his guardian, Ivan entered the theological seminary. There he immediately became the best student, and even helped his comrades as a tutor. Years of study introduced Ivan to the works of such Russian thinkers as D. I. Pisarev, N. A. Dobrolyubov, V. G. Belinsky, A. I. Herzen, N. G. Chernyshevsky, etc. The young man liked their desire to fight for freedom and progressive changes in society. But over time, his interests switched to natural science. And here a monograph by I. M. Sechenov "Reflexes of the brain" had a huge influence on the formation of Pavlov's scientific interests. After graduating from the sixth grade of the seminary, the young man realized that he did not want to pursue a spiritual career, and began preparing for the entrance exams to the university.

Studying at the University

In 1870, Pavlov moved to St. Petersburg with the desire to enter the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics. But it turned out to pass on legal. The reason for this is the limitation of seminarians in terms of the choice of professions. Ivan petitioned the rector, and two weeks later he was transferred to the physics and mathematics department. The young man studied very successfully and received the highest scholarship (imperial).

Over time, Ivan became more and more interested in physiology and from the third year he devoted himself completely to this science. He made his final choice under the influence of Professor I.F. Zion, a talented scientist, brilliant lecturer and skilled experimenter. Here is how Academician Pavlov himself recalled that period of his biography: “I chose animal physiology as my main specialty, and chemistry as an additional one. At that time, Ilya Fadeevich made a huge impression on everyone. We were struck by his masterfully simple presentation of the most complex physiological issues and his artistic talent in conducting experiments. I will remember this teacher for the rest of my life.

Research activities

The first Pavlovs date back to 1873. Then, under the guidance of F.V. Ovsyannikov, Ivan examined the nerves in the lungs of a frog. In the same year, together with a classmate, he wrote the first. The leader, of course, was I. F. Zion. In this work, students studied the influence of the laryngeal nerves on blood circulation. At the end of 1874, the results were discussed at a meeting of the Society of Naturalists. Pavlov regularly attended these meetings and interacted with Tarkhanov, Ovsyannikov and Sechenov.

Soon students M. M. Afanasiev and I. P. Pavlov began to study the nerves of the pancreas. The university council awarded this work a gold medal. True, Ivan spent a lot of time on research and did not pass his final exams, losing his scholarship. This forced him to stay at the university for another year. And in 1875 he brilliantly graduated from it. He was only 26 (the photo of Ivan Petrovich Pavlov at this age, unfortunately, has not been preserved), and the future was seen as very promising.

Physiology of blood circulation

In 1876, the young man got a job as an assistant to Professor K. N. Ustimovich, head of the laboratory at the Medico-Surgical Academy. In the next two years, Ivan conducted a series of studies on the physiology of blood circulation. Pavlov's work was highly appreciated by Professor S.P. Botkin and invited him to his clinic. Formally, Ivan took the position of a laboratory assistant, but in fact he became the head of the laboratory. Despite the poor premises, lack of equipment and meager funding, Pavlov achieved serious results in the field of studying the physiology of digestion and blood circulation. In scientific circles, his name became more and more famous.

The first love

In the late seventies, he met Serafima Karchevskaya, a student in the pedagogical department. The young people were united by closeness of views, common interests, loyalty to the ideals of serving society and fighting for progress. In general, they fell in love with each other. And the surviving photo of Ivan Petrovich Pavlov and Serafima Vasilievna Karchevskaya shows that they were a very beautiful couple. It was the support of his wife that allowed the young man to achieve such success in the scientific field.

Looking for a new job

For 12 years of work in the clinic of S.P. Botkin, the biography of Pavlov Ivan Petrovich was replenished with many scientific events, and he became famous both at home and abroad. Improving the working and living conditions of a talented scientist has become a necessity not only for his personal interests, but also for the development of Russian science.

But in the days of Tsarist Russia, it turned out to be extremely difficult for a simple, honest, democratic-minded, impractical, shy and unsophisticated person, which was Pavlov, to achieve any changes. In addition, the life of the scientist was complicated by prominent physiologists, with whom Ivan Petrovich, while still young, publicly entered into heated discussions and often emerged victorious. So, thanks to the negative review of Professor I. R. Tarkhanov about Pavlov’s work on blood circulation, the latter was not awarded the prize.

Ivan Petrovich could not find a good laboratory to continue his research. In 1887, he addressed a letter to the Minister of Education, in which he asked for a place in the department of some experimental university. Then he sent several more letters to various institutes and was refused everywhere. But soon luck smiled at the scientist.

Nobel Prize

In April 1890, Pavlov was elected professor of pharmacology at once in two and Tomsk. And in 1891 he was invited to organize a department of physiology at the newly opened University of Experimental Medicine. Pavlov headed it until the end of his days. It was here that he completed several classic works on the physiology of the digestive glands, which were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1904. The entire scientific community remembers the speech delivered by Academician Pavlov “On the Russian Mind” at the award ceremony. It should be noted that this was the first prize awarded for experiments in the field of medicine.

Despite the famine and devastation during the formation of Soviet power, V. I. Lenin issued a special decree in which Pavlov's work was highly appreciated, which testified to the exceptionally warm and caring attitude of the Bolsheviks. In the shortest possible time, the most favorable conditions for conducting scientific work were created for the academician and his staff. Ivan Petrovich's laboratory was reorganized into the Physiological Institute. And on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the academician, a scientific institute-city was opened near Leningrad.

Many dreams come true, which academician Pavlov Ivan Petrovich had been nurturing for a long time. The scientific works of the professor were regularly published. Clinics for mental and nervous diseases appeared at his institutes. All scientific institutions headed by him received new equipment. The number of employees increased tenfold. In addition to budgetary funds, the scientist each month received amounts to spend at his own discretion.

Ivan Petrovich was excited and touched by such an attentive and warm attitude of the Bolsheviks to his scientific work. After all, under the tsarist regime, he constantly needed money. And now the academician was even worried about whether he could justify the trust and care of the government. He spoke about this more than once both in his environment and publicly.

Death

Academician Pavlov died at the age of 87. Nothing foreshadowed the death of the scientist, because Ivan Petrovich had excellent health and rarely fell ill. True, he was prone to colds and had pneumonia several times. Pneumonia was the cause of death. On February 27, 1936, the scientist left this world.

The entire Soviet people mourned when Academician Pavlov died (the description of Ivan Petrovich's death immediately appeared in the newspapers). A great man and a great scientist, who made a huge contribution to the development of physiological science, left. Ivan Petrovich was buried not far from the grave of D. I. Mendeleev.