(1845 - 1916)
Elie Metchnikoff was born on May 16, 1845, near Kharkoff, Ukraine. He studied natural
sciences at the University of Kharkoff. After graduating from Kharkoff,
Metchnikoff went to the University of Giessen, Germany,
to study marine biology. In 1865, he discovered intercellular digestion
in a flatworm, which would structure his later research.
In 1867, he returned to Russia to teach at the University of Odessa. Shortly, after arriving at the
University of Odessa he joined the faculty at the University of St.
Petersburg. In 1870, however, Metchnikoff would once again return to
the University of Odessa where he was appointed Titular Professor of
Zoology and Comparative Anatomy. In 1883, he left Odessa and traveled
to Messina to work privately in a small laboratory; it was in Messina
that Metchnikoff revealed the phenomenon of phagocytosis. After discovering
phagocytosis, Metchnikoff returned to Odessa, and in 1883 published
his first paper about his work.
In 1888, Metchnikoff left Odessa, and took a position
at the Pasteur Institute laboratory in Paris. In 1904, after working
several years at the Pasteur Institute, Metchnikoff became the deputy
director. He remained at the Pasteur Institute for the remainder of
Eli Metchnikoff was the first of two Jews, along with Paul
Ehrlich, to receive the Nobel
Prize for Medicine in 1908 for their research on cellular immunity.
He was awarded the honor for the theory of phagocytosis, which demonstates
the process of how specific white blood cells can break down harmful
bacteria in the body.
He also identified an apparent link between acidophilus-type
bacteria and extended lifespan for humans. Acidophilus is a nutritional
supplement product, which contains a given bacteria. He was pivotal
in starting the relatively modern discipline of probiotics (are dietary
supplements containing potentially benefical bacteria and yeasts. Also,
along with P.P.É. Roux, they researched the affects of using
calomel ointment to treat syphilis.
Metchnikoff’s works include L'Immunité
dans les Maladies Infectieuses (Immunity in Infectious Diseases,
1901), in which he elaborates on his research of phagocytosis, and The
Nature of Man (1938). He received numerous other awards and recognition
for his work including an honorary Doctorate of Science from the University
of Cambridge and an honorary membership of the Academy of Medicine in
He died on July 16, 1916, in Paris, at the age of 70.