PURKINJE, Johannes Evangelista (1787-1869), Czech physiologist, who pioneered in the fields of histology, embryology, pharmacology, and the workings of the eye, heart, and brain. Born in Libochovice and educated at the University of Prague, he became professor of physiology at the University of Breslau and later at the University of Prague. He invented the microtome, an instrument for slicing thin portions of tissue for microscopic examination. His histological discoveries include the sweat glands; the neurons, called Purkinje's cells, of the cerebellum; the muscular fibers, called Purkinje's fibers, in the tissue of the ventricles of the heart; and the nucleus of the human egg, called Purkinje's germinal vesicle. He also investigated the structure, function, and diseases of the eye; the effects of such drugs as opium; and identification by means of fingerprints.

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