Who is the scientist Pavlov? Academician Pavlov: biography, scientific works. Study of reflexes, well-deserved awards

A mental act from its natural beginning and end. This fundamental position serves as the logical center for the correlation of the main categories of the conceptual apparatus of Sechenov’s reflex theory of mental actions. “The thought of a mental act as a process, a movement that has a definite beginning, course and end, must be retained as fundamental, firstly, because it really represents the extreme limit of abstraction from the sum of all manifestations of mental activity - the limit, in the sphere of which the thought still corresponds to the real side of the matter; secondly, on the grounds that even in this general form it still represents a successful and easy criterion for checking the facts, and thirdly, because this thought determines the basic character; tasks that constitute psychology as a science about mental realities... This thought must be accepted as the initial axiom, just as in modern chemistry the initial truth is considered the idea of ​​​​the indestructibility of matter" (Sechenov, 1952).

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (09/26/1849 - 02/27/1936) an outstanding Russian physiologist, creator of the doctrine of higher nervous activity and modern ideas about the digestive process; founder of the largest Russian physiological school; a transformer of methods for studying body functions based on the methods of surgical physiology he developed, which made it possible to conduct long-term chronic experiments on a virtually healthy animal.

For great awards to world science and, above all, in the field of research into digestive devices, in 1904 I.P. Pavlov was awarded the Nobel Prize.

Specifically, this series of works includes the world-famous “Pavlovian fistulas”, “Pavlovian isolated ventricle” and other developments. In 1907, I.P. Pavlov was elected a real member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and in 1925 he organized the Institute of Physiology, of which he remained the permanent director until 1936.

The scientific heritage of I.P. Pavlov significantly determined the type of physiology of the twentieth century and the direction of its development, contributed to rapid development related branches of biology and medicine, has left a noticeable mark in the formation of many areas of development of psychology, pedagogy, genetic foundations of activity nervous system a person and his behavior.

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov, Nobel Prize laureate in medicine (1849-1936)

This is the star that illuminates the world, shedding light on yet unknown paths.

G. Wells about I.P. Pavlov

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov is an outstanding scientist, the pride of Russian science, “the first physiologist of the world,” as his colleagues called him. He was awarded the first ever Nobel Prize in Medicine and was elected an honorary member of 130 academies and scientific societies. None of the Russian scientists of that time received such fame abroad. He was even called “a romantic, almost legendary personality.”

Among the unusually inspired portraits by the remarkable Russian artist Mikhail Nesterov, there is also a portrait of academician I.P. painted in 1935. Pavlova. The scientist is depicted in the interior, against the backdrop of the autumn landscape outside the window. Wise over the years and experience, he gazes intently into infinity. The viewer cannot meet the eyes of the great man, but his hands, nervously clenched into fists, betray the intensity and power of thought that can transform the world.

This power did not arise on its own, but was the result of the scientist’s tireless work throughout his life. Pavlov once admitted that if he had not been a scientist, he would have become a peasant.

It is known that Ivan Petrovich demanded from the employees of his laboratory the same selfless work that he himself displayed. The first questions to a new employee who wanted to get into his laboratory were: “How long can you work? What can distract you? Family? Housing difficulties? These questions can be interpreted as concern for a person, but there is much more concern for business - one’s own and that of one’s young colleague.

In a conversation with M. Gorky, he develops the idea of ​​the “goal reflex” - the great engine of human life. “A person’s happiness is somewhere between freedom and discipline,” he said. “Freedom alone without strict discipline and rules without a sense of freedom cannot create a full-fledged human personality.”

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov was born on September 26, 1849 in Ryazan. His father, Pyotr Dmitrievich, was a priest. Mother, Varvara Ivanovna, also came from a family of clergy. Ivan is the firstborn.

L.P.'s younger sister Andreeva recalled:

His first teacher was his father... Ivan Petrovich always remembered with gratitude his father, who managed to instill in his children the habits of work, order, precision and neatness in everything. ““There’s time for business, time for fun,” he liked to say...” As he grows up, the son will become remarkably similar to his father. As his biographer writes, “both were stubborn workers, unmercenary, strict servants of the idea, passionately loving the truth and revering knowledge.”

As a child, Ivan Petrovich had to do various jobs:

Our mother supported boarders,” his sister said. “She often did everything herself and was a great hard worker. The children idolized her and vied with each other to try to help in any way: chop wood, light the stove, bring water - Ivan had to do all this.

At the request of his parents, Ivan entered the Ryazan Theological School in 1860, immediately into the second grade. He successfully graduated in 1864, and in the same year he was accepted into the local theological seminary.

Once he found a book by G.G. in his father’s extensive library. Levi with colorful pictures that captured his imagination once and for all. It was called “Physiology of Everyday Life.” This book sank so deeply into his soul that, as an adult, the “first physiologist of the world” quoted entire pages from it from memory at every opportunity. Having become interested in the natural sciences, Pavlov entered St. Petersburg University in 1870 to study at the natural sciences department of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics. Money was tight. I had to earn extra money by giving private lessons and translations.

His interest in physiology increased even more after studying the book by I.M. Sechenov "Reflexes of the brain". The scientist later recalled: “... the main impetus for my decision, although not conscious at the time, was the long-standing influence, experienced in my youth, of the talented brochure of Ivan Mikhailovich Sechenov, the father of Russian physiology, entitled “Reflexes of the Brain.”

Studying in the laboratory of I. Zion, who studied the role of depressor nerves, also helped in mastering this subject. Young Pavlov listened to the professor’s explanations as if spellbound. Student Pavlov’s choice of I. Tsion as his supervisor caused the amazement of his fellow students. Very young (barely 30!) Ilya Tsion was one of the leading physiologists in Europe, one of those who created experimental physiology with my own hands. Pavlov considered this the most important, despite the surprisingly difficult character of Ilya Faddeevich. Harsh, explosive, quarrelsome, he was simply an odious person. A passionate monarchist who devoutly believes in God. An ardent anti-Darwinist. Zion viewed “freedom” as a synonym for idleness, and “the right to choose” as a harmful invention of the subverters of all that is holy. Among democratically minded students it was considered good form not to greet him. However, this did not stop Ivan Petrovich.

Under the leadership of Zion, Pavlov masterfully mastered the scalpel and began to rapidly grow as a researcher. For my first Scientific research he received the university's gold medal.

Having defended his title of Candidate of Natural Sciences in 1875, the scientist entered the third year of the Medical-Surgical Academy in St. Petersburg, worked as an assistant at the Veterinary Institute, continuing to study digestion and blood circulation. In the summer of 1877, he worked in the city of Breslau (Germany) with R. Heidenhain, a specialist in the field of digestion. The following year, having received an invitation from S. Botkin, Pavlov began working in the physiological laboratory at his clinic in Breslau.

In 1881, a happy event occurred in the scientist’s life: Ivan Petrovich married Serafima Vasilyevna Karchevskaya, who bore him four sons and a daughter. “I was looking for life’s comrades only good man“,” wrote Pavlov, “and found it in my wife Serafima Vasilievna, née Karchevskaya, who patiently endured the hardships of our pre-professor life, always guarded my scientific aspirations and turned out to be as devoted to our family for life as I am to the laboratory.”

However, the decade that started so well became the most difficult for him and his family. “There wasn’t enough money to buy furniture, kitchen, dining and teaware,” his wife recalled. Endless wanderings around other people's apartments, then a grave misfortune - the death of the first-born and literally a year later again the unexpected death of a young son, Serafima Vasilievna's despair, her long illness. All this unsettled me and took away the strength so necessary for scientific pursuits. It was a year that Pavlov’s wife would call “desperate,” when Ivan Petrovich’s courage failed. But she came to his aid - she insisted that the scientist take up scientific work in earnest. In 1883, he defended his dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Medicine, devoted to a description of the nerves that control the functions of the heart. Subsequently I.P. Pavlov sparingly, in a few phrases, outlined such a difficult decade:

Until I became a professor in 1890, I was already married and had a son, and things were always very tight financially; finally, in the 41st year of my life, I received a professorship and got my own laboratory... Thus, suddenly there were sufficient cash, and a wide opportunity to do whatever you want in the laboratory.

Pavlov is appointed privatdozent at the Academy, but he is forced to resign due to additional work in Leipzig. Two years later he comes to Russia again. By 1890, Pavlov's works were recognized among scientists all over the world. Since 1891, he headed the physiological department of the Institute of Experimental Medicine, organized with his active participation. At the same time, Ivan Petrovich simultaneously remained the head of physiological research at the Military Medical Academy, where he worked from 1895 to 1925.

According to the description of biographer Pavlov, in 1901, a professor of physiology at the University of Helsingfors, R. Tigerstedt, visited St. Petersburg. He also visited the newly-minted Russian celebrity. What the famous scientist saw here confirmed his correspondence ideas about Pavlov’s outstanding experiments on the physiology of nutrition, which, upon returning to his homeland, he notified Ivan Petrovich in a letter. Professor R. Tigerstedt was a member of the Nobel Committee, but this visit was of a private, fact-finding nature.

In the spring of 1904, he arrived in St. Petersburg together with another member of the committee, I. Ioganson, already with official powers. For several days in a row they were shown all of Pavlov’s “economy”: the famous “imaginary feeding”, and the observation “window” in the stomach, and, of course, the “small ventricle”. For clarity, many operations were carried out directly in the presence of distinguished guests. Ivan Petrovich himself operated. And although there was some haste and excitement, Pavlov’s skill amazed foreign scientists. They left with the firm belief that their Russian colleague was worthy of the award. In October of the same year, he was recognized as a laureate and invited to Stockholm to receive the Nobel Prize. In December 1904, a ceremonial presentation of a gold medal, a diploma and a cash check for 75 thousand rubles took place.

I gave Pavlov this high reward the king of Sweden himself and, in order to respect the scientist who had arrived from Russia, pronounced a specially learned greeting in Russian: “How is your health, Ivan Petrovich?” Pavlov was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine "for his work on the physiology of digestion, which has led to a clearer understanding of vital aspects of this subject." In his speech at the award ceremony, the famous scientist from the Karolinska Institute K.A.G. Merner, highly appreciating the work of the Russian scientist, said:

Thanks to Pavlov's work, we were able to advance further in the study of this problem than in all previous years. Now we have a comprehensive understanding of the influence of one part of the digestive system on another, i.e. about how individual parts of the digestive mechanism are adapted to work together.

Throughout his scientific life, Pavlov maintained an interest in the influence of the nervous system on activity. internal organs. At the beginning of the 20th century. his experiments concerning the digestive system led to the study of conditioned reflexes. For the first time, it was possible to experimentally prove that the work of the stomach depends on the nervous system and is controlled by it.

Amazed by the power of conditioned reflexes, which shed light on psychology and physiology, after 1902 Pavlov concentrated his scientific interests on the study of higher nervous activity. At the institute, which was located near St. Petersburg, in the town of Koltushi, he created the only laboratory in the world for the study of higher nervous activity. Its center was the famous “Tower of Silence” - a special room that made it possible to completely isolate the experimental animal from the outside world. Studying the reactions of dogs to external stimuli, the scientist found that reflexes can be conditioned and unconditioned, i.e. both developed and inherent in the animal from birth. This was his second major discovery in the field of physiology.

When the revolution occurred, Ivan Petrovich perceived it as the death of his Motherland, but remained in Russia. The security officers searched his house, took away his awards, completely took away the Nobel Prize - he did not leave. They arrested his friends, his eldest son Vladimir, himself - he did not leave. The civil war destroyed his son Victor - he did not leave. Russian to the core, Pavlov did not think or feel himself anywhere except Russia. But when all the laboratory dogs died from hunger and cold, he realized: it was no longer possible to work here. In the summer of 1920, Ivan Petrovich sent a letter to the Council of People's Commissars asking for “freedom to leave Russia.”

Lenin, having learned about this, demanded “to immediately provide Pavlov and his assistants with everything he finds necessary.” He was prescribed a “special improved ration,” which he refused. “I can’t take rations when my employees are starving,” he said.

All around is collapse, devastation, desolation, violence. Pavlov continued to work. There is no heating in the laboratory - I put on a fur coat and a fur hat. There was no light - he operated with a torch. “In difficult times, one vital support remains: fulfilling, to the best of your ability, the duty you have assumed.”

In January 1921, the Council of People's Commissars adopted a resolution: to create for Academician Pavlov a most favored nation regime in his research. His medals were returned to him and he was guaranteed material support, immunity, personal freedom, and freedom of movement.

An ideal space for scientific work was created around Pavlov in Koltushi. He could never have dreamed of something like this before - “the capital of conditioned reflexes.” Near the biological station they built an entire town with farmsteads, laboratories, a library, cottages for colleagues... Here one could live without leaving, live exclusively by science, without being distracted by anything unnecessary. And Ivan Petrovich worked. Worked like never before. From now on, the position of the greatest Russian scientist protected him from the political conflicts that abounded in events in Russia at the beginning of the century.

A unique work by Pavlov.
Pavlov is an unsurpassed scientist, a world-famous scientist, academician, physiologist and psychologist. He is a Nobel Prize winner. He devoted his entire life to studying the regulation of digestion. The creator of the world-famous science of higher nervous activity in humans.

The future scientist was born in Ryazan on September 26, 1849. His parents were simple people: an ordinary priest and a housewife. The house where the academician lived has now become a museum. Pavlov began his education in 1864 at a theological school and, after graduating, continued his studies at a theological seminary. Ivan Petrovich spoke warmly about that period. He was very lucky with his teachers.

During his studies, he became acquainted with the works of the great scientist I.M. Sechenov. His scientific work “Reflexes of the Brain” influences the future scientific activity of Academician Pavlov. In 1870, he continued to receive his education at the University of St. Petersburg in the law department. But after 17 days he is transferred to the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics. Famous professors F.V. Ovsyannikov and I.F. Zion were his teachers.

The future scientist showed great interest in studying the issue of animal physiology. Pavlov was interested in the basics of human nervous regulation. After university, he enters his third year at the Medical-Surgical Academy. In 1879 he began working together with Botkin in his clinic. He leaves for an internship abroad for two years.

In 1890, he became a professor in the field of pharmacology and went to teach at the Military Medical Academy, where he eventually headed one of its departments. Ivan Petrovich devotes all his time to studying the physiology of blood circulation and digestion. In 1890 he carried out his well-known experiment with false feeding. He successfully proved the enormous role of the human nervous system in the digestive process.

In 1903 he went to Madrid to an international congress with a scientific report. For his invaluable contribution to science in the field of research into the functions of the digestive glands, he was awarded the Nobel Prize. Pavlov treated the October revolution in Russia as a failed experiment communist party. IN AND. Lenin took care of it and created the necessary conditions for successful scientific work.

I.P. Pavlov did not like what was happening in the country, but despite this, he did not stop working. During the Civil War, he taught in the department of physiology at the Military Academy. It was cold in the laboratory; very often during experiments we had to sit in warm clothes. Sometimes there was even no light, and then operations were carried out with a burning torch.

Even in very difficult years, Ivan Petrovich tried to help his work colleagues. The famous laboratory was preserved thanks to his efforts, and continued to work in the difficult 20s. Pavlov suffered from lack of money during the civil war, and more than once asked the authorities to allow him to leave the country. Ivan Petrovich was promised help in his financial situation, but nothing was done.

Finally, in 1925, the Institute of Physiology was opened. Pavlov was offered to head it. He worked there until the end of his life. In Leningrad, in 1935, at the 15th World Congress of Physiologists, I.P. Pavlov is elected honorary president. It was a huge triumph for the great scientist.

His unique works are known all over the world. He was the discoverer of the famous method of conditioned reflexes. Before his death, he visits his native Ryazan. The scientist died on February 27, 1936 in Leningrad, from a severe form of pneumonia. The great academician left to his descendants a large number of discoveries.

None of the Russian scientists of the 19th-20th centuries, not even D.I. Mendeleev, did not receive such fame abroad as academician Ivan Petrovich Pavlov (1849-1936). “This is the star that illuminates the world, shedding light on paths not yet explored,” Herbert Wells said about him. He was called a “romantic, almost legendary figure”, “citizen of the world.” He was a member of 130 academies, universities and international societies. He is considered the recognized leader of world physiological science, a favorite teacher of doctors, and a true hero of creative work.

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov was born in Ryazan on September 26, 1849 in the family of a priest. At the request of his parents, Pavlov graduated from theological school, and in 1864 he entered the Ryazan Theological Seminary.

However, a different fate was destined for him. In his father's extensive library, he once found a book by G.G. Levy “Physiology of Everyday Life” with colorful illustrations that captured his imagination. Another strong impression on Ivan Petrovich in his youth was made by the book, which he later remembered with gratitude all his life. This was the study of the father of Russian physiology, Ivan Mikhailovich Sechenov, “Reflexes of the Brain.” Perhaps it is not an exaggeration to say that the theme of this book formed the leitmotif of Pavlov’s entire creative activity.

In 1869, he left the seminary and first entered the Faculty of Law, and then transferred to the natural sciences department of the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of St. Petersburg University. Here, under the influence of the famous Russian physiologist Professor I.F. Zion, he forever connected his life with physiology. After graduating from university I.P. Pavlov decided to expand his knowledge of physiology, in particular human physiology and pathology. For this purpose, in 1874 he entered the Medical-Surgical Academy. Having completed it brilliantly, Pavlov received a two-year business trip abroad. Upon his arrival from abroad, he devoted himself entirely to science.

All works on physiology carried out by I.P. Pavlov for almost 65 years, mainly grouped around three sections of physiology: circulatory physiology, digestive physiology and brain physiology. Pavlov introduced a chronic experiment into practice, which made it possible to study the activity of a practically healthy organism. Using the developed method of conditioned reflexes, he established that the basis of mental activity is the physiological processes occurring in the cerebral cortex. Pavlov's research into the physiology of higher nervous activity had a great influence on the development of physiology, psychology and pedagogy.

Works by I.P. Pavlov’s blood circulation problems are associated mainly with his activities in the laboratory at the clinic of the famous Russian doctor Sergei Petrovich Botkin from 1874 to 1885. The passion for research completely absorbed him during this period. He abandoned his house, forgot about his material needs, his suit and even his young wife. His comrades more than once took part in the fate of Ivan Petrovich, wanting to help him in some way. One day they collected some money for I.P. Pavlova, wanting to support him financially. I.P. Pavlov accepted friendly help, but with this money he bought a whole pack of dogs to carry out the experiment that interested him.

The first major discovery that made him famous was the discovery of the so-called amplifying nerve of the heart. This discovery served as the initial impetus for the creation of the scientific doctrine of nervous trophism. The entire series of works on this topic was formalized in the form of a doctoral dissertation entitled “Centrifugal Nerves of the Heart,” which he defended in 1883.

Already during this period, one fundamental feature of I.P.’s scientific creativity was revealed. Pavlova - to study a living organism in its holistic, natural behavior. Work by I.P. Pavlova in the Botkin laboratory brought him great creative satisfaction, but the laboratory itself was not convenient enough. That's why I.P. In 1890, Pavlov happily accepted the offer to take over the department of physiology at the newly organized Institute of Experimental Medicine. In 1901 he was elected a corresponding member, and in 1907 a full member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences. In 1904, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov received the Nobel Prize for his work on digestion.

Pavlov's teaching on conditioned reflexes was the logical conclusion of all those physiological experiments that he performed on blood circulation and digestion.

I.P. Pavlov looked into the deepest and most mysterious processes of the human brain. He explained the mechanism of sleep, which turned out to be a type of special nervous process of inhibition that spreads throughout the cerebral cortex.

In 1925 I.P. Pavlov headed the Institute of Physiology of the USSR Academy of Sciences and opened two clinics at his laboratory: nervous and psychiatric, where he successfully applied the experimental results he obtained in the laboratory to treat nervous and mental illnesses. A particularly important achievement recent years works by I.P. Pavlov was the study of the hereditary properties of certain types of nervous activity. To resolve this issue, I.P. Pavlov significantly expanded his biological station in Koltushi near Leningrad - a real city of science - for which the Soviet government allocated more than 12 million rubles.

Teaching of I.P. Pavlova became the foundation for the development of world science. Special Pavlovian laboratories were created in America, England, France and other countries. On February 27, 1936, Ivan Petrovich Pavlov passed away. After a short illness, he died at the age of 87. The funeral service according to the Orthodox rite, according to his will, was performed in the church in Koltushi, after which a farewell ceremony took place in the Tauride Palace. An honor guard of scientists from universities, technical colleges, scientific institutes, and members of the Presidium of the USSR Academy of Sciences was installed at the coffin.

Ivan Pavlov is a famous Russian scientist whose works are highly appreciated and recognized by the scientific world community. The scientist made important discoveries in the field of physiology and psychology. Pavlov is the creator of the science of higher nervous activity in humans.

Ivan Petrovich was born in 1849, on September 26, in Ryazan. This was the first child of ten born into the Pavlov family. Mother Varvara Ivanovna (maiden name Uspenskaya) was raised in a family of clergy. Before marriage, she was a strong, cheerful girl. Childbirth, one after another, had a negative impact on the woman’s health. She was not educated, but nature endowed her with intelligence, practicality and hard work.

The young mother raised her children correctly, instilling qualities through which they would successfully realize themselves in the future. Pyotr Dmitrievich, Ivan's father, was a truthful and independent priest of peasant origin, who presided over services in a poor parish. He often came into conflict with management, loved life, was not sick, and willingly looked after his garden.

The nobility and pastoral zeal of Pyotr Dmitrievich eventually made him the rector of the church in Ryazan. For Ivan, his father was an example of perseverance in achieving goals and striving for excellence. He respected his father and listened to his opinion. Following the instructions of his parents, in 1860 the boy entered the theological school and took the initial seminary course.

IN early childhood Ivan was rarely sick, grew up as a cheerful and strong boy, played with children and helped his parents with housework. Father and mother instilled in their children the habit of working, maintaining order in the house, and being neat. They worked hard themselves, and they demanded the same from their children. Ivan and his younger brothers and sisters carried water, chopped wood, lit the stove and performed other household chores.

The boy was taught to read and write from the age of eight, but he went to school at 11. The reason for this was a severe bruise received when falling down the stairs. The boy lost his appetite and sleep, he began to lose weight and turn pale. Home treatment didn't help. Things began to improve when the child, exhausted by illness, was taken to the Trinity Monastery. The abbot of the monastery, who was visiting the Pavlovs’ house, became his guardian.

Health and vitality were restored thanks to gymnastic exercises, good food and clean air. The abbot was educated, well-read and led an ascetic life. Ivan learned the book given by his guardian and knew it by heart. It was a volume of fables, which later became his reference book.

Seminary

The decision to enter the theological seminary in 1864 was made by Ivan under the influence of his spiritual mentor and parents. Here he studies natural sciences and other interesting subjects. Actively participates in discussions. Throughout his life, he remains an avid debater, furiously fighting with the enemy, refuting any of his opponent’s arguments. At the seminary, Ivan becomes the best student and is additionally engaged in tutoring.

Young Ivan Pavlov in seminary

Gets acquainted with the works of great Russian thinkers, imbued with their desire to fight for freedom and a better life. Over time, his preferences concentrate on natural science. Acquaintance with I.M. Sechenov’s monograph “Reflexes of the Brain” played a big role in this. The realization comes that the career of a clergyman is not interesting to him. Begins to study the subjects necessary for admission to the university.

Physiology

In 1870 Pavlov moved to St. Petersburg. He enters the university, studies well, at first without a scholarship, since he had to transfer from one faculty to another. Later, the successful student is awarded an imperial scholarship. Physiology is his main hobby, and from the third year onwards it has been his main priority. Under the influence of the scientist and experimenter I.F. Tsion, the young man finally makes his choice and devotes himself to science.

In 1873, Pavlov began research work on frog lungs. In co-authorship with one of the students, under the guidance of I. F. Tsiona writes scientific work about how the nerves of the larynx affect blood circulation. Soon, together with student M. M. Afanasyev, he studies the pancreas. The research work is awarded a gold medal.

Student Pavlov graduates from the educational institution a year later, in 1875, as he remains for a repeat course. On research work it takes a lot of time and effort, so final exams he fails. Upon graduation, Ivan is only 26 years old, he is full of ambitions, and wonderful prospects await him.

Since 1876, Pavlov has been assisting Professor K.N. Ustimovich at the Medical-Surgical Academy and at the same time studying the physiology of blood circulation. The works of this period are highly appreciated by S. P. Botkin. A professor invites a young researcher to work in his laboratory. Here Pavlov studies the physiological characteristics of blood and digestion

Ivan Petrovich worked in the laboratory of S.P. Botkin for 12 years. The biography of the scientist of this period was replenished with events and discoveries that brought world fame. It's time for change.

It was not easy for a simple person to achieve this in pre-revolutionary Russia. After unsuccessful attempts, fate gives a chance. In the spring of 1890, the Universities of Warsaw and Tomsk elected him professor. And in 1891, the scientist was invited to the University of Experimental Medicine to organize and create a department of physiology.

Until the end of his life, Pavlov permanently led this structure. At the university he conducts research on the physiology of the digestive glands, for which in 1904 he received a prize, which became the first Russian prize in the field of medicine.

The coming to power of the Bolsheviks turned out to be a blessing for the scientist. I appreciated his work. Favorable conditions conducive to fruitful work were created for the academician and all employees. Under Soviet rule, the laboratory was modernized into the Physiological Institute. On the occasion of the scientist’s 80th birthday, an institute-town was opened near Leningrad; his works were published in the best publishing houses.

Clinics were opened at the institutes, modern equipment was purchased, and the staff increased. Pavlov received funds from the budget and additional amounts for expenses, and felt gratitude for such an attitude towards science and himself.

A special feature of Pavlov’s technique was that he saw a connection between physiology and mental processes. Works on the mechanisms of digestion became the starting point for the development of a new direction in science. Pavlov has been conducting research in the field of physiology for more than 35 years. He created the method of conditioned reflexes.

Ivan Pavlov - author of the project "Pavlov's Dog"

The experiment, called “Pavlov’s dog,” consisted of studying the animal’s reflexes to external influences. During it, after a signal with a metronome, food was given to the dog. After the sessions, the dog began to salivate without food. This is how the scientist derives the concept of a reflex formed on the basis of experience.

In 1923, the first description of twenty years of experience with animals was published. In science, Pavlov made the most serious contribution to the knowledge of brain functions. The results of research supported by the Soviet government were stunning.

Personal life

The talented young man met his first love, the future teacher Serafima Karchevskaya, in the late seventies. Young people are united by common interests and ideals. In 1881 they got married. The family of Ivan and Seraphima had two daughters and four sons.

Early years family life turned out to be difficult: there was no housing of our own, there was not enough money for the necessities. The tragic events associated with the death of the first-born and another young child undermined the wife’s health. This unsettled and led to despair. Encouraging and consoling, Seraphima brought her husband out of severe melancholy.

Subsequently, the couple’s personal life improved and did not interfere with the young scientist’s career. This was facilitated by the constant support of his wife. Ivan Petrovich was respected in scientific circles, and his warmth and enthusiasm attracted friends to him.

Death

From photographs taken during the scientist’s life, a cheerful, attractive, bushy-bearded man looks at us. Ivan Petrovich had enviable health. The exception was colds, sometimes with complications such as pneumonia.

Pneumonia caused the death of the 87-year-old scientist. Pavlov died on February 27, 1936, his grave is located at the Volkovsky cemetery.

Bibliography

• Centrifugal nerves of the heart. Dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Medicine.
• Twenty years of experience in the objective study of higher nervous activity (behavior) of animals.
• Lectures on the work of the cerebral hemispheres.
• Physiology and pathology of higher nervous activity.
• Latest reports on the physiology and pathology of higher nervous activity.
• Complete collection of works.
• Articles on the physiology of blood circulation.
• Articles on the physiology of the nervous system.