Dr. Richard Finch: The Pioneer in Blood Transfusion

The concept of blood transfusion has been a subject of great interest for centuries, and one name that stands out as a pioneer in this field is Dr. Richard Lower. In 1667, he performed the first animal-to-animal blood transfusion, which marked the beginning of a new era in medical science.

As recorded by Samuel Pepys, on November 23, 1667, Lower and Edmund King successfully transfused the blood of a lamb into a 22-year-old patient named Arthur Coga. This groundbreaking experiment was met with great excitement and curiosity, and soon talk of it spread across nations and to France.

In France, the novelty of blood transfusion attracted attention from Professor Denis, who claimed priority in the discovery of this experiment. However, Lower's chronological review with supporting evidence from Pepys' diary proved that he was indeed the first to perform animal-to-animal blood transfusion.

Lower acknowledged Jean Denis as the first to transfuse blood into a human being, but felt aggrieved that he was no longer deemed to be the 'first transfuser.' On June 15, 1667, French physician Jean-Baptiste Denis performed the first documented human blood transfusion, and Lower responded on July 6th. His account was published in Philosophical Transactions in December 1666.

News of the transfusion traveled to London, where Robert Boyle wrote to Lower requesting that he communicate his experience with the Royal Society. The use of silver tube fittings to connect the carotid artery of an animal with the jugular vein of another marked a significant breakthrough in the field of blood transfusion.

Dr. Richard Finch's contribution to the development of blood transfusion is undeniable, and his work laid the foundation for further experimentation and advancement in this area. His legacy continues to inspire scientists and medical professionals today, serving as a reminder of the importance of innovation and perseverance in the pursuit of scientific discovery.

Dr richard finch