Joseph Erlanger was born on May 5, 1874, in San Francisco, California, to Herman and Sarah Erlanger. He showed an early interest in science and went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley. After completing his undergraduate studies, Erlanger moved to Johns Hopkins University to pursue a career in medicine.
Upon receiving his medical degree, Erlanger joined the faculty at the Medical School of the University of Wisconsin, where he became the first Professor of Physiology. It was during his time at Wisconsin that he met his future collaborator, Herbert Spencer Gasser.
Erlanger's research initially focused on the circulatory system, but he soon shifted his focus to the nervous system. In 1922, he and Gasser adapted an oscillograph to study nerve conduction, a groundbreaking technique that would pave the way for their Nobel Prize-winning research.
In 1944, Erlanger and Gasser were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine for their pioneering work on nerve conduction. Their research identified different types of nerve fibers and elucidated the relationship between action potential velocity and fiber diameter, leading to significant advancements in our understanding of the nervous system.
One of Erlanger's most significant contributions was the development of the action potential theory, which revolutionized the field of neuroscience. His work laid the foundation for modern studies on nerve conduction and continues to influence research in the field to this day.
Due to a lack of funding at the University of Wisconsin, Erlanger made the decision to move to Washington University in St. Louis. Gasser followed him there, and the two continued their groundbreaking research, further solidifying their legacy in the field of physiology.
Joseph Erlanger's contributions to the field of physiology cannot be overstated. His research laid the groundwork for our current understanding of nerve function and has influenced generations of scientists in the field. His collaboration with Herbert Spencer Gasser was instrumental in advancing our knowledge of nerve conduction and has had a lasting impact on the field of medicine.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks throughout his career, Erlanger remained dedicated to his research and made significant contributions that continue to shape our understanding of the nervous system. His work has left an indelible mark on the field of physiology, and his legacy continues to inspire scientists around the world.