Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936) was a physiologist and Nobel laureate known for his contributions to the study of digestion and animal behavior.
He was born on September 14, 1849, in a village in the Ryazan province. His father was a simple peasant, but it was very important for him to give his children a good education. Thus, Pavlov was able to go to school and enter the university.
After graduating from St. Petersburg University, Pavlov received a scholarship to continue his studies abroad. He traveled to Freiburg, Germany, where he worked in the laboratory of the famous physiologist Karl Ludwig. Here, Pavlov began his research on the nervous system and digestive processes, which in the following years became the basis of his scientific career.
In 1890, Pavlov became director of the Institute of Experimental Medicine in St. Petersburg. Here he continued his research on digestion and the functions of the liver, pancreas, and other digestive organs. His discoveries of the laws of "conditioned reflection," which became known as Pavlov's conditioned reflexes, were a real scientific revolution that made a significant contribution to the physiology of behavior.
He studied animal behavior and developed the concept of "learning engines," which explains how animals learn through associations and connections between different stimuli. This research gave rise to a new field of science - behavioral psychology.
However, it was not only his scientific achievements that made Pavlov famous around the world. In 1904, during the revolution, Pavlov made a large donation to organize medical care for the wounded. He opened special hospitals for the wounded, where he provided medical care free of charge. Later, in 1917, he was appointed chairman of the commission to combat the cholera epidemic in St. Petersburg.
After the revolution in 1917, Pavlov was elected president of the All-Union Academy of Sciences. He continued to conduct scientific research, in particular, he studied the mechanisms of nervous regulation, as well as the physiology of the cardiovascular system.
During World War II, Pavlov and his colleagues continued research aimed at improving the health and performance of the military. He was awarded the Order of Lenin for his contributions to the development of science and medicine. After the war, Pavlov continued to work on his research and lecture at the university. In 1935, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on digestion and conditioned reflexes.
Ivan Pavlov died on February 27, 1936, of a heart attack at the age of 86.
