Pavlov's physiology factory: experiment, interpretation, laboratory enterprise

Abstract

Russian physiologist and Nobel Prize winner Ivan Pavlov is most famous for his development of concept of conditioned reflex and classic experiment in which he trained a dog to salivate at sound of a bell. In this study, Daniel P. Todes explores Pavlov's early work in digestive through structures and practices of his landmark laboratory - department of Imperial Institute for Experimental Medicine. In Lectures on Work of Main Digestive Glands, for which Pavlov won Nobel Prize in 1904, scientist frequently referred to experiments of other scientists in his department and stated that his conclusions reflected the deed of entire laboratory. This novel claim caused prize committee some consternation. Was he alone deserving of prize? Examining fascinating substance of Pavlov's notebooks, unpublished memoirs, and laboratory publications, this text details importance of Pavlov's directorship of what author calls a physiology factory and illuminates subsequent breakthroughs that established behaviourism as an approach to biological research and understanding. Todes contrasts Pavlov's roles as laboratory manager, experimentalist, entrepreneur, and scientific visionary. He discusses changes wrought by government and commercial interests in science and sheds light on pathways of scientific development in Russia - making clear Pavlov's personal achievements while suggesting limits of his hierarchical approach to scientific inquiry. The work thus addresses issues of importance to historians of science and scientists today: big versus small science, most effective means of support, and development of research cultures.