5 Therefore, it did not occur to the physicians of the day to pursue blood transfusions to either restore “diseased blood” or replace it following major trauma. Galen’s teachings had suggested that blood was continuously produced in the liver, transported to the heart, and subsequently passed through arteries and veins to the tissues, where it was burned up. Galileo’s invention of the telescope is perhaps the best known example to have triggered a step change in our understanding of the natural world, but so was William Harvey’s discovery of the continuous circulation of blood. New ideas were welcomed and inquisitive minds encouraged. In Wren’s time the Renaissance had already reached British shores from its southern European origins and the critical thinking of the Scientific Revolution had taken center stage. In fact, the Royal Society’s charter of 1662 lists Wren as a “ doctor in medicine,” 3 despite a lack of evidence that he had received a medical degree.

Yet perhaps least known among Wren’s major achievements is his early work in medicine. Isaac Newton, never one to heap lavish praise on anyone, considered him one of the leading geometers of the day. Wren was an excellent example of the new possibilities of his time. He was appointed to the Savilian Chair of Astronomy at Oxford University when he had just turned twenty-eight. Wren’s intellectual pursuits and the regular discussions with his close associates in Robert Boyle’s “invisible college” led to the founding of the Royal Society of London. Having displayed exceptional promise in astronomy from the age of thirteen, 2 Oughtred’s “young man” was the celebrated architect Christopher Wren (1632–1723). Medical history is replete with unexpected twists and turns-the discovery of nitrous oxide and the development of X-rays, insulin, and penicillin-with major advances occasionally originating from unlikely proponents. Scientific progress does not always proceed linearly. Yet even Oughtred could not have foreseen the broad scope of the “great things” that were to happen. And truly he is the kind of man from whom I can shortly expect great things.” – William Oughtred 1 “ A young man of marvellous gifts who, when not yet sixteen years of age, advanced astronomy, gnomonics, statics, and mechanics by his distinguished discoveries, and from then on continues to advance these sciences. Given that the iconic dome took a further 13 years to wrap up, it was dark times for Wren.Christopher Wren and Blood Circulation December 3, 2019Īn early instance of blood transfusion from lamb to man. However even though people were filing in for mass, the work was incomplete as its iconic done wasn't constructed and the commissioners laid down an ultimatum - until the project was completed, he would only be paid half. It took over 30 years for St Paul's Cathedral to be fully builtīuilding on St Paul's Cathedral started in 1675 before it was opened to the public in 1697, which took over two decades to finish. Learn more about this iconic London landmark with our Top 10 Facts about St. Third time was the charm for Wren and the work finally got started, though it took a little while. This happened a couple of times and you can actually still see early drafts of the building online, which retain his dramatic Baroque sensibility.

His designs for St Paul's Cathedral were initially rejected St Paul's Cathedral is Wren's most notable masterpiece, however initial drafts of the structure were actually rejected by Parliament. His gravestone is transcribed with the Latin text, 'If you seek his memorial, look about you.' Wren is perhaps best known for his work designing St Paul's Cathedral, which is also where he was buried after his death in 1723.

His gravestone is laid to rest in one of his own creations

Christopher wren