Joseph Erlanger: Pioneering Neurophysiology and Shaping Modern Neuroscience

Joseph Erlanger (1874-1965) was a prominent American physiologist and educator whose groundbreaking work in neurophysiology, conducted in collaboration with Herbert Gasser, earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1944. Their pioneering research demonstrated that different fibers within the same nerve cord could have distinct functions, a discovery that has had profound implications for understanding the nervous system.

Erlanger was born in San Francisco and pursued his higher education at the University of California, graduating in 1895. He then attended the Johns Hopkins Medical School, where he completed his medical degree in 1899 and remained for seven years, working under the tutelage of William H. Howell. Erlanger's early career was marked by his role as an assistant in physiology, which laid the groundwork for his future research endeavors.

In 1906, Erlanger was appointed professor of physiology at the University of Wisconsin, where he not only founded the Department of Physiology at the new medical school but also began a fruitful collaboration with his student, Herbert Gasser. This partnership would prove pivotal in the realm of physiological research. In 1910, Erlanger accepted a position as professor and head of the physiology department at Washington University in St. Louis, a post he held until 1946. Gasser joined him there shortly after, continuing their collaborative research efforts.

Prior to 1921, Erlanger's research was primarily focused on the cardiovascular system. Notably, as a medical student, he improved the design of the sphygmomanometer, a device used to measure blood pressure in the fingers, which reflected his innovative approach to medical instruments. However, Erlanger's interests soon shifted towards the application of electronics in physiological research, an area in which he and Gasser would make significant strides.

In 1922, Erlanger and Gasser devised a revolutionary method to record electric responses in individual nerve fibers using a cathode ray oscilloscope. This technological advancement allowed them to amplify nerve impulses and produce characteristic waveforms on the oscilloscope screen, enabling detailed study of these impulses. Their research culminated in 1932 when they discovered that nerve fibers conduct impulses at different rates depending on their thickness and that each fiber has a unique threshold of excitability. This led to their formulation of the law that the velocity of nervous impulses is directly proportional to the diameter of the nerve fiber.

Erlanger and Gasser's work provided critical insights into the functioning of the nervous system, demonstrating that different types of nerve fibers are responsible for transmitting different types of impulses. This discovery not only advanced the scientific understanding of neurophysiology but also had significant implications for medical research and the treatment of neurological disorders.

Joseph Erlanger's contributions to physiology have left an enduring legacy. His innovative techniques and collaborative research with Gasser have paved the way for numerous advancements in the field of neuroscience, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in scientific discovery. Erlanger's work continues to inspire researchers and educators, reflecting the lasting impact of his achievements on the study of the human body and its complex systems.
Joseph Erlanger: Pioneering Neurophysiology and Shaping Modern Neuroscience