La Pression barometrique, published in 1878, remains the defining investigation into the physiological effects of air pressure on living organisms. This comprehensive research earned Paul Bert the biennial prize of 20,000 francs from the French Academy of Sciences, establishing his scientific reputation while documenting the phenomena now known as the Paul Bert effect regarding central nervous system oxygen toxicity.
Early Academic Development
Born in Auxerre in 1833, Paul Bert pursued a multifaceted education at the École polytechnique before shifting his focus to physiology under the influence of Louis Pierre Gratiolet. He became a prominent student of Claude Bernard, eventually securing his doctorate in medicine in 1863 followed by a doctorate in science in 1866. His academic career led to professorships in physiology at the University of Bordeaux in 1866 and later at the Sorbonne in 1869.
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Bert conducted extensive studies into animal grafting, the vitality of animal tissues, and the physiological action of poisons and anaesthetics. His interest in vegetable physiology included investigations into the movements of sensitive plants and the influence of light on vegetation, a field known as photobiology. In 1885, he co-authored a successful textbook, Éléments de zoologie, with Raphael Blanchard. His scientific work received international recognition, including the Cameron Prize for Therapeutics from the University of Edinburgh in 1879.
Political Engagement and Ideology
Following the 1870 Commune de Paris, Bert became active in politics as a supporter of Gambetta. Elected to the French National Assembly in 1874 and the chamber of deputies in 1876, he maintained a firm stance against clericalism. He served as the minister of education and worship from November 1881 to January 1882. His later publications, such as La Deuxième année d'enseignement scientifique, promoted theories of racial hierarchy that influenced French educational materials for decades, and he actively opposed granting political rights to indigenous populations in French Algeria.
Colonial Administration and Final Years
In early 1886, Bert accepted an appointment as resident general of the French Republic in Annam and Tonkin. He departed France in February 1886 accompanied by officials including Antony Klobukowski and Charles François Laurent. His tenure in office was brief, as he died of dysentery in Hanoi on 11 November 1886. He was buried in Auxerre at the Cimetière Dunant.
Fast facts
- Born: 1833, Auxerre, France
- Died: 1886, Hanoi
- Primary Fields: Physiology, Zoology
- Academic Employers: University of Paris, Sorbonne, University of Bordeaux
- Political Positions: Minister of Education and Worship, Prefect of Nord
- Key Publication: La Pression barometrique (1878)
- Awards: Cameron Prize, University of Edinburgh
- Memberships: French Academy of Sciences
Questions readers ask
What is the Paul Bert effect?
It refers to the toxicity of oxygen on the central nervous system, which Bert first described in his 1878 research on barometric pressure.
Was Paul Bert involved in education policy?
Yes, he served as minister of education and worship and authored widely used elementary science textbooks that advocated for the secularization of national education.
Achievements
- Cameron Prize of the University of Edinburgh
- Held posts at Collège de France, Sorbonne and University of Paris
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