If
I'm Myelin I'm Dyin'.
 The
Science
Hall of Fame was recently announced,
a
list of over 4000 men and women noted for their
work in the sciences. Heading this vast list,
respectively and in order of significance, is
Bertrand Russell, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein
and Lewis Carroll,
known for his math skills (as Charles Dodgson)
as well as his abilities as a writer.
Entering the gate at the Number Five slot was
Claude
Bernard (1813-1878), a French scientist
of some eminence who, I'm embarrassed to admit,
completely
eluded
my meager
fine
arts
education. I'll bet many of you are similarly
drawing blanks as well.
A little internet snooping revealed him to have
been the father of the blind experiment and the
discoverer of the principles behind homeostasis.
He was also a real maniac for internal physiology,
unveiling
the functions of the pancreas, the liver and,
yes, the vasomotor system. (There are two kinds
of vasomotor nerves... vasodilators and vasoconstrictors.
Fascinating stuff. Go check it out.)
For a little perspective... while Mr. Bernard
was doing his best work we here in the colonies
were killing each other by the millions over
who picks the cotton.
So here's to you, Monsieur Bernard. I couldn't
have written this cartoon without you.
=Lefty=
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