Glisson

Glisson, Francis (Francis Glisson, 1597-1677), known anatomist, professor in Cambridge, later physician in London. Of his works, the greatest fame was gained by 'Anatomia hepatis' (London, 1654), the introduction to which represents an extensive treatise on the tasks of anatomy and on the structural parts (tissues) of the human body. The name G. is preserved in the name of Glisson's capsule (of the liver); G. was the first to introduce the term 'irritabilitas', which later played a major role in physiology. Glisson's last work of a natural-philosophical character is 'Tractatus de natura substantiae energetica' (London, 1672), in which he proves that all manifestations of living bodies and dead nature arise as a result of the development of a single basic energy. The works of G. are collected in 3 vols.: 'Opera medico-physica' (Lyons, 1691 and 1711).