Peter Lesgaft
Encyclopedia
Peter Franzevich Lesgaft (21 September 1837 – 1909) was a Russia
n teacher
, anatomist, physician
and social reformer. He was the founder of the modern system of physical education and medical-pedagogical control in physical training, one of founders of theoretical anatomy. P.F. Lesgaft Institute of Physical Culture in St. Petersburg is named after him.
Unity and integrity of all organs in human body was the basis of Peter Lesgaft system of the pointed exercises for both physical development and intellectual, moral and aesthetic education.
Outdoor games were his favorite means in both physical development and formation of character of a child.
In 1861 he graduated from Imperial Medical-Surgical Academy in St. Petersburg and remained there as a teacher of anatomy.
In 1869 he became a professor at the University of Kazan, but soon was barred from teaching for his outspoken criticism of the unscientific methods used. In 1872 he became consultant on therapeutic gymnastics in the private practice of Dr. Berglindt.
In 1872-1874 he supervised a group of Russian women for the first time allowed to employment in the Imperial Medical-Surgical Academy. He also became known for publication of a descriptive history of sport in Europe and ancient Greece and an article on naturalistic gymnastics. As a result he was put in charge of the physical training of military cadets. In 1875 he was sponsored by the Russian Military Ministry to spend two summers in Western Europe, studying the systems of physical education. During that time he visited 26 cities in 13 European countries. He carefully studied British system visiting English public schools, the Central Army Gymnastics School at Aldershot
, the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich
and Oxford University.
In 1877, he published ‘‘Relationship of Anatomy to Physical Education and ‘‘The Major Purpose of Physical Education in Schools. He was able to organizing courses for physical education instructors for the military academies — until then non-existent.
In 1893 Peter Lesgaft organized Biological laboratory which in 1918 was transformed into P.F.Lesgaft Institute of Natural Science.
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
n teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
, anatomist, physician
Physician
A physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
and social reformer. He was the founder of the modern system of physical education and medical-pedagogical control in physical training, one of founders of theoretical anatomy. P.F. Lesgaft Institute of Physical Culture in St. Petersburg is named after him.
Unity and integrity of all organs in human body was the basis of Peter Lesgaft system of the pointed exercises for both physical development and intellectual, moral and aesthetic education.
Outdoor games were his favorite means in both physical development and formation of character of a child.
Biography
Peter Lesgaft was born on 21 September 1837 in Sankt-Petersburg, the third son of a jeweler of German descent.In 1861 he graduated from Imperial Medical-Surgical Academy in St. Petersburg and remained there as a teacher of anatomy.
In 1869 he became a professor at the University of Kazan, but soon was barred from teaching for his outspoken criticism of the unscientific methods used. In 1872 he became consultant on therapeutic gymnastics in the private practice of Dr. Berglindt.
In 1872-1874 he supervised a group of Russian women for the first time allowed to employment in the Imperial Medical-Surgical Academy. He also became known for publication of a descriptive history of sport in Europe and ancient Greece and an article on naturalistic gymnastics. As a result he was put in charge of the physical training of military cadets. In 1875 he was sponsored by the Russian Military Ministry to spend two summers in Western Europe, studying the systems of physical education. During that time he visited 26 cities in 13 European countries. He carefully studied British system visiting English public schools, the Central Army Gymnastics School at Aldershot
Aldershot
Aldershot is a town in the English county of Hampshire, located on heathland about southwest of London. The town is administered by Rushmoor Borough Council...
, the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich
Woolwich
Woolwich is a district in south London, England, located in the London Borough of Greenwich. The area is identified in the London Plan as one of 35 major centres in Greater London.Woolwich formed part of Kent until 1889 when the County of London was created...
and Oxford University.
In 1877, he published ‘‘Relationship of Anatomy to Physical Education and ‘‘The Major Purpose of Physical Education in Schools. He was able to organizing courses for physical education instructors for the military academies — until then non-existent.
In 1893 Peter Lesgaft organized Biological laboratory which in 1918 was transformed into P.F.Lesgaft Institute of Natural Science.
External links
- Peter Lesgaft short biography and photo
- The Founder of Russian Physical Education By James Riordan University of BradfordUniversity of BradfordThe University of Bradford is a British university located in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. The University received its Royal Charter in 1966, making it the 40th University to be created in Britain, but its origins date back to the early 1800s...
, EnglandEnglandEngland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...