Karl von Vierordt
JUL 01, 2016
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.031254
Today is the birthday of physics-minded physician Karl von Vierordt, born in Lahr, Baden (now Germany), in 1818. He helped solve a major problem of the time: how to measure blood pressure noninvasively. The prevailing method of the day was to cut into an artery—not exactly an ideal solution for human patients. In 1854 von Vierordt invented the sphygmograph, a device made up of levers and weights that could chart the strength of the pulse. He also developed the hemotachometer to track the velocity of blood flow.
Date in History: 1 July 1818
© 2016 American Institute of Physics
