Golgi

GOLGI, Camillo (Camillo Golgi, 1843-1925), outstanding Italian histologist, a student of Mantegazza and Bizzozero, professor of histology and general pathology in Pavia from 1876 to 1918. Golgi's principal works relate to the nervous system, the study of which he greatly advanced by developing (1873) a special impregnation method. Golgi's first work using this method was a study of the fine structure of the olfactory bulb (1875); this was followed by a series of works on the fine structure of the nervous system—central and peripheral. Golgi first established two types of nerve cells: those with long and short axons (Golgi's type 2 cells), described collaterals of the axis cylinder, special spirals in the medulla of nerve fibers, nerve endings on tendons, muscle spindles, pericellular networks around nerve cells, and star-shaped cells of neuroglia (Golgi's cells). He was also the first to discover the reticular apparatus (apparato reticolare) inside nerve cells (1898), the widespread distribution of which was soon proven by his students. Other histological works by Golgi relate to renal tubules, muscles, erythrocytes, and thrombocytes (1923). He also conducted a number of pathoanatomical works. In the field of protistology are his works on plasmodia of malaria in the blood and the effect of quinine on them. In 1906, Golgi received half of the Nobel Prize. Golgi's works on the nervous system (1871-94) were published in German: 'Untersuchungen über den feineren Bau des centralen und peripheren Nervensystems' (Jena, 1894). For Golgi's 60th birthday, his 'Opera omnia' (vols. I-III, Milano, 1903) were published.