Alexandr Bogdanovich Fokht ― The Founder of Clinical-Experimental Approach in Medicine (in Honor of 170th Year Anniversary)

Abstract

The review is dedicated to the investigation of the role of A.B. Fokht, who was one of the most famous scientist, teacher and doctor during the period of the development of clinical oriented approach pathophysiology. The article examines new vectors in clinical medicine development of the second half of the 19th century. It is pointed out in the article that Russian scientists of that time instead of aiming at history rewriting or repeating the traditions of the West-European science finally formed their own rational ideas and tried to provide unique scientific research. What is more, the article contains biographical information about Fokht’s family, his teachers and colleagues. The article describes the main principles of Fokht’s scientific school, which became the most remarkable in Russia in the beginning of the 20th century, and also achievements of his followers, who had been working in the largest laboratories and chairs of Great Britain, the USA, Poland etc. Moreover the article contains information about the influence which the results of Fokht’s research had on recognition of Russian independent medical science worldwide. The article emphasizes the Fokht’s political and civil position against the educational and scientific reforms, which had been conducted by the Russian government in the beginning of the 20th century. Finally, the article describes Fokht’s personality and his activities in other spheres.