Bert, Paul (1833–1886)

French physiologist and politician who discovered the physiological effects of altitude and atmospheric pressure on the composition of gases in the bloodstream.

In 1878, he published his work La Pression Barometrique, which described the effects of abnormally high or low atmospheric pressures, the composition of gases in the air, and altitude on the respiration of animals and on his own respiration. Bert correctly concluded that the physiological effects of oxygen and other gases in the blood are due to their partial pressures (fractions of total gas pressure that are exerted by each of the chemical components that comprise the gas), and not their proportions as had previously been thought. His research had widespread implications for the effects of diving, climbing and aviation on respiration and paved the way for the development of various forms of specially adapted breathing apparatus to meet the needs of such activities.

Bert was born in Auxerre, France and obtained qualifications in law and medicine from the Sorbonne in Paris. He was later appointed professor of physiology at the Sorbonne 1869. His career in science was interrupted by the Franco-Prussian war, after which Bert became interested in politics and was elected 1872 to the Chamber of Deputies. He featured prominently in forming a widespread educational structure in France.