A book with a handwritten address and an autograph by physiologist Ivan Pavlov

The book "Humoral transfer of nervous excitations" by Z. M. Buck, Brussels, 1932

Ivan Pavlov is an outstanding Russian physiologist, Nobel Prize winner, and the founder of the theory of higher nervous activity. His research in the field of digestive physiology and conditioned reflex mechanisms had a huge impact on the development of neuroscience, psychology and medicine. Pavlov developed a theory about the role of the cerebral cortex in shaping behavior, laying the foundations for a scientific understanding of the relationship between the nervous system and reflex reactions.

The book "Humoral transfer of nervous excitations", published in Brussels in 1932, is devoted to the study of the mechanisms of transmission of nerve impulses through chemicals, and not only through neural pathways. In this work, Pavlov examines the role of humoral (fluid) factors in the regulation of physiological processes and the interaction of various body systems. The book is an important contribution to the development of neurophysiology, confirming that nervous excitement can be transmitted not only by synapses, but also by chemical intermediaries.

Despite his worldwide fame and recognition, Pavlov always remained faithful to scientific truth and was not afraid to criticize the authorities. Even under the harsh Soviet regime, he openly spoke out about the negative consequences of state policy, in particular, he condemned repression and pressure on science. His courage and independence commanded respect, but also created many problems in relations with the authorities.