Life of Elie Metchnikoff, 1845-1916Metchnikoff, Olga
Science
Life of Elie Metchnikoff, 1845-1916
Metchnikoff, Olga
Metchnikoff, Elie, 1845-1916
In spite of his firm conviction of the solidity of the phagocyte
theory, this discovery was a shock to Metchnikoff, for it was in
apparent contradiction with the cellular theory of immunity. He
hastened to undertake a series of researches; his overflowing eagerness
infected his whole circle, every one taking the warmest interest in the
progress of his experiments.
This was just as preparations were being made to take part in the
London Congress, where the question of immunity was to be debated and
had indeed been placed at the head of the programme. Many papers were
being prepared, and a veritable tourney of opinions was to take place
at this Congress.
Metchnikoff had already been to England once, in the spring of
1891, on the occasion of his reception as an Honorary Doctor by the
University of Cambridge. This gave him the opportunity of making closer
acquaintance with the English, who inspired him with great sympathy;
years only increased this feeling. He appreciated the originality of
their earnest and generalising spirit, their loyalty and energy; he was
grateful to them for the attentive and favourable attitude with which
his scientific work and himself had been received.
He was therefore delighted that this Congress, which was to be the
scene of his final struggle against his contradictors, should take
place in England and not in Germany, a country hostile to his ideas.
In view of the importance of the coming debate, a series of fresh
experiments was made. This time Metchnikoff undertook them not only in
person, but also in collaboration with M. Roux and with some students.
The whole laboratory was in a state of effervescence.
The principal papers to be read at the Congress on the question of
immunity were those of Messrs. Roux and Büchner, the first entirely in
favour of the phagocyte theory and the second supporting the humoral
theory.
Metchnikoff read an epitome of his researches and of his answers to
attacks on his theory. Towards the end of the Congress the latter had
visibly acquired the suffrage of numerous scientists. Roux wrote to me
from London concerning my husband's paper:
Metchnikoff is busy showing his preparations and, besides, he would
not tell you how great is his triumph. He spoke with such passion
that he carried everybody with him. I believe that, this evening, the
phagocyte theory is the richer by many friends.
Thus the researches made in recent years and the results of the London
Congress allowed us to consider the phagocyte theory of immunity as
being solidly established.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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