Did you know that Plato (Greek philosopher 4th century) believed that blood contained fibres which became active in blood clotting when blood cooled?
Although incorrect this belief held sway until the 18th century. William Hewson (1739-1774) localised the source of the fibres to what we now call plasma. Hewson also recognised that cooling the blood slowed the clotting process in contradiction to Plato. According to Oscar Ratnoff, Hewson is sometimes referred to as; ‘the Father of Haematology’.
Hewson, a surgeon, like his father lived in London and made numerous contributions to haematology including observations on erythrocyes and the lymphatic system.
Unfortunately Hewson died from septicaemia, probably the result of a wound picked up in the dissecting room. Hewson does not get the respect he deserves although his observations were seminal.
Plato, copy of the portrait made by Silanion ca. 370 BC for the Academia in Athens
© Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons
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