William Harvey (1578-1657)

In 1628, the English physician William Harvey became the first person to accurately describe systemic circulation in his treatise Exercitatio Anatomica de Motu Cordis et Sanguinis in Animalibus. As with many original thinkers, Harvey's contributions to anatomy and physiology contradicted accepted theories of the time but his legendary powers of persuasion, intellect, and rigorous methodologies served as catalysts for future research. He achieved great fame during his lifetime and had an illustrious career, at one point serving as the "Physician Extraordinary" to King James