Sidney Ringer (1835-1910): science and serendipity in Victorian London.

Abstract

The transcendental role of calcium in myocardial function was recognized one hundred and forty years ago by the British physician and physiologist Sidney Ringer (1835-1910), who is remembered by most members of the health team for being the originator of the eponymous solution, the discovery of which had very unique characteristics. However, there are other less obvious aspects of his working life as well as his biography, worth considering.

Dr. Ringer lived in Victorian London, a time of major change, standing out as a pioneer in pharmacology. The role of serendipity in his scientific investigation allowed him to make the most of the opportunity he had been afforded and in turn enabled us to learn about his remarkable traits of thoroughness, persistence, and insight.

This article briefly reviews Ringer's career and explores the intellectual and scientific context in which his important contributions were made.