Homer Smith
Encyclopedia
Dr Homer William Smith was an American
physiologist
and an advocate for science. His research work focused on the kidney
and he discovered inulin
at the same time as A.N. Richards
. Dr. Smith authored several books including From Fish to Philosopher, Man and His Gods,http://www.positiveatheism.org/hist/homer1a.htm and The Kidney: Structure and function in health and disease.
Homer Smith's elegant experiments on the kidney in the 1930s proved beyond any doubt that it operated according to physical principles, both as a filter and a secretory organ, eliminating the last vestige of Vitalism
in physiology.
He also served on the board of trustees of Science Service, now known as Society for Science & the Public
, from 1952-1955.
Dr. Smith is survived by his son, Homer Wilson Smith, a graduate of Cornell University.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
physiologist
Physiology
Physiology is the science of the function of living systems. This includes how organisms, organ systems, organs, cells, and bio-molecules carry out the chemical or physical functions that exist in a living system. The highest honor awarded in physiology is the Nobel Prize in Physiology or...
and an advocate for science. His research work focused on the kidney
Kidney
The kidneys, organs with several functions, serve essential regulatory roles in most animals, including vertebrates and some invertebrates. They are essential in the urinary system and also serve homeostatic functions such as the regulation of electrolytes, maintenance of acid–base balance, and...
and he discovered inulin
Inulin
Inulins are a group of naturally occurring polysaccharides produced by many types of plants. They belong to a class of fibers known as fructans. Inulin is used by some plants as a means of storing energy and is typically found in roots or rhizomes...
at the same time as A.N. Richards
Alfred Newton Richards
Alfred Newton Richards was an American pharmacologist.Richards was born in Stamford, New York. He served as chairman of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine's Department of Pharmacology from 1910 to 1946; thereafter he became Professor Emeritus...
. Dr. Smith authored several books including From Fish to Philosopher, Man and His Gods,http://www.positiveatheism.org/hist/homer1a.htm and The Kidney: Structure and function in health and disease.
Homer Smith's elegant experiments on the kidney in the 1930s proved beyond any doubt that it operated according to physical principles, both as a filter and a secretory organ, eliminating the last vestige of Vitalism
Vitalism
Vitalism, as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is#a doctrine that the functions of a living organism are due to a vital principle distinct from biochemical reactions...
in physiology.
He also served on the board of trustees of Science Service, now known as Society for Science & the Public
Society for Science & the Public
Society for Science & the Public , formerly known as Science Service, is a 5013 non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of science, through its science education programs and publications, including the weekly Science News magazine.Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization...
, from 1952-1955.
Dr. Smith is survived by his son, Homer Wilson Smith, a graduate of Cornell University.
External links
- Man and his Gods full text of the book, with foreword by Albert EinsteinAlbert EinsteinAlbert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of general relativity, effecting a revolution in physics. For this achievement, Einstein is often regarded as the father of modern physics and one of the most prolific intellects in human history...
. - The kidney: structure and function in health and disease. Google Books.http://books.google.com/books?id=ym3EAGvhwVsC&lpg=PP1&ots=yipjPZT3mG&dq=Homer%20Smith%20kidney&pg=PR19#v=onepage&q=&f=false