* Alvaro Reynoso y Valdes (1829-1888): his research in the field of medicine, physiology and biochemistry

* References and notes used

A brief summary of the text sent

This paper aims to disseminate scientific work of Alvaro Reynoso in the field of medicine, physiology and biochemistry, since it is not widespread, more knowledgeable about their work as a researcher in the field of agronomy. Includes also some relevant aspects of his life. Refers to studies published by Reynoso, while studying in France, records and journals of international scientific prestige.

Keywords: Alvaro Reynoso, research, science, chemistry, physiology.

Abstract:

The present work Seeks to Disclose the scientific work of Alvaro Reynoso in the field of medicine, physiology and biochemistry, since it’s is little diffused, historical work as Regards investigator like Better agronomy is known. Also it picks up excellent Some Aspects of His Life. It Refers to the works published by Reynoso, DURING historical studies in France, in annals of grateful international magazines and scientific prestige.

Key words: Alvaro Reynoso, investigation, science, chemistry, physiology.

Alvaro Reynoso y Valdes (1829-1888): his research in the field of medicine, physiology and biochemistry

During our university studies each year on November 4, was held at the Faculty of Chemistry “The Day of the Chemist” in honor of Cuban scientist Alvaro Reynoso. At that time we had no knowledge of the importance of his work. On March 1, 1993, in an activity of the Department of Chemistry, Pedagogical University Branch Carlos Manuel de Cespedes of the Isle of Youth, we were gifted the book: Selected Texts Alvaro Reynoso, Francisco Diaz Barreiro. Was the first and most comprehensive material on the prominent Cuban scientist we have in our hands. This paper aims to disseminate scientific work of Alvaro Reynoso in the field of medicine, physiology and biochemistry, as it is disseminated. Includes also some relevant aspects of his life.

The fourth of the children of the marriage of Rose and Antonio Trujillo and Maria de Jesus de San Pio Valdes, was born on November 4, 1829 in Alquizar, Havana province, a man who by the comprehensiveness of their knowledge, research and practical results ahead of his time and he was named Alvaro Francisco Carlos Reynoso and Valdes. Also called “father of scientific agriculture in Cuba.” Well deserved name given the great contributions made by Reynolds to the development of agricultural science in Cuba in the second half of the nineteenth century, valid until today.

Little Alvaro Francisco demonstrated a singular intelligence to learn the first letter in the bosom of his own family. The lack of schools in the area of Alquizar, where they lived made it impossible to receive instruction. The Reynoso move to the capital and Alvaro enters the College of San Cristobal de La Habana, known for Carraguao, led by the Spanish master Antonio Casas and Remon, who had a faculty composed of men and Felipe Poey, Jose Fornaris, Jose and Jose Luis Silverio Jorrin Casaseca. The latter would be the guide and inspirer of the scientific future. It is to this is his success in Chemistry.

Alvaro graduate of Bachelor of Science on July 4, 1846. That same year made his first contribution to science with the Spanish translation of a book entitled Physical Popularized Treaty of Levis.

In the absence of the science faculty at the Royal and Literary University of Havana, registering a career in medicine and surgery.

In 1847, he was sent to France to pursue higher studies at the Sorbonne University in Paris. Reynolds defended his Bachelor of Science in 1848 enrolled in the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Paris, shortly after the medical school to study both races.

Graduated from the University of Paris in 1856, at 26 years old, is recognized by a special scientific backing and numerous papers published in France. Doctor in Chemistry and Physics, Member of the Real Madrid Academy of Sciences of the Economic Society of Friends of the Country Landowners’ Circle and the Island of Cuba, studied in Europe, where he received accolades and awards for his contributions to science.br> The Cuban scholar to 27 years of age was recognized as a genius in Europe. Were multiple awards and accolades that support their contributions to science.

Worth highlighting their research and contributions in the field of medicine, physiology and biochemistry are not widely used because:

During his student days at the Faculty of Sciences and the School of Medicine, University of Paris (1848-1856), Reynolds worked in the chemical research laboratory of Professor Theophile Jules Pelouze, under the scientific guidance, initiated and completed a series of chemical and biochemical investigations gave wide popularity in the world of science. All records and were published in prestigious scientific journals

When he was only 20 years old (1849) published a work of great interest, “New procedure for the recognition of Iodine and Bromine.” That same year he published another paper entitled “Observations on the dosage of lime.” In 1850, he published two pamphlets, one called, “Notes on the various new combinations of ammonia with cianoferruros and in particular with cianoferruros nickel, the other entitled,” The action of bases on salts and in particular on arsenite. The following year (1851), came into the job, “Note on the preparation of metallic acids.”

Related to its physiological research in medicine, published in 1851, “Note on the presence of sugar in the urine”, included in the Comptes rendus of the Academy of Sciences in Paris. In 1852, “The presence of sugar in the urine of hysterical and epileptic.” In 1853, in collaboration with M. Michea published the paper “Note on the presence of sugar in the urine of epileptics.” The same year, the brochure “Report on the presence of sugar in the urine and the relation of this phenomenon with breathing” resulting from his numerous observations on the disease known as diabetes mellitus. Developed and presented a new theory, which earned him an award from the Academy of Sciences of Paris and the praise of the most notable physiologists of his time. Reynoso although this theory does not apply to our day, stimulated further research by other scientists. Reynoso had the honor of being the first Cuban to scientifically investigate diabetes. In the texts, journals that address matters related to this disease, the authors surveyed by no reference to the contributions made by the Cuban scientist Alvaro Reynoso.

In 1854 work “report on the presence of blood in the urine of persons subjected to inhalation of anesthetic drugs”, won a prize of 500 francs in the contest of Medicine and Surgery of the Academy of Sciences of Paris and praise Flourens his secretary, the same year was published a booklet containing the results of a toxicology research entitled “Experiences of interest for the history of curare poisoning, where the experience contributed by Reynoso were approved by a committee of scholars appointed to regard. In 1855, he published a brochure “Research natural, chemical and physiological on the Curare, substance that poisoned their arrows American savages.”

On September 8, de1856, submitted his thesis for the degree of Doctor of Science in the paper entitled “Research on the formation of the ether”, inserted in the Annales de Chimie et de Physique, Paris. Reynoso was not only brilliant in his chemistry exam, since the physical examination, a formality required to receive a doctorate, also succeeded. Editing the thesis Reynoso was well received in scientific circles of France and Spain.

In 1857 to place a discussion on the embalming of corpses in the Paris Academy of Sciences, at its meeting on July 13, Reynoso presented a paper entitled “News of embalming practiced by American Indians.” Published in Comptes rendus of the same year and in a pamphlet, published in Paris. Then published in the Annals and Memoirs of the Royal Economic Society in Cuba. Another work of Reynolds appeared in the first issue of the Annals and Memoirs of the Royal Economic Society in Cuba was “Notes on the food substance.” Work related to the human diet and its consequences in their physiological development.

In September 1857 he was appointed Professor of Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Sciences of the Universidad Central de Madrid, relieved to report to opposition in recognition of his remarkable scientific work. He received the honor of being named a member of the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Madrid, in recognition of their valuable scientific contributions. Same appointment awarded the Royal Academy of History of Spain.

Cuban Dr. Rolando Garcia Blanco, refers in his book “One Hundred Figures Science in Cuba, which Reynoso” rejected the appointment of Professor of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Central University of Madrid, to take in 1858, the Chair Special Chemistry Applied to Agriculture and Botany, General Preparatory School in La Habana “(3). Clearly the will of Rose’s return to Cuba and thus contribute to the development of agriculture, the knowledge acquired during his scientific studies in France. Became the Institute for Chemical Research in one of the first agricultural stations in the world and put at his disposal all the knowledge and laboratory equipment brought from France.

Visits to libraries and museums of arts and sciences major cities of Europe, thereby enriching their culture, that few in Cuba and abroad could compare.

On his return to Havana on February 25, 1858, brought his private library, considered one of the most valuable, specializing in science in the country, which was enriched with rare books and literature all the time. Among his most prized books was a collection of medical thesis at the University of Paris, formed by 392 voluminous books containing more than 8000 theses. In this library were requested copies of internationally renowned scientists at the time. The reputation of the library while Alvaro Reynoso transcended even the president of the Royal Academy of Exact, Physical and Natural Sciences of Madrid, used to request books on loan. Reynoso donated the library to the Royal Academy of Medical Sciences, Physical and Natural Sciences of Havana, which was Partner of Merit.

A little known aspect of the life of Rose, is that on arrival to Cuba in 1858, and noted that the embalming of bodies was poor and very expensive, he studied a chemical formula to halt the process of organic decomposition and result cheaper than current procedures. As a result of their studies and research on October 6, 1859 was published in a newspaper of the capital a note on the death of young Ramon Crezer where recorded that his body had been embalmed with the invention of chemical liquid-Alvaro Reynoso.

Once in Cuba, showed their intentions to contribute to the development of studies in Chemistry. Requests the Chair of Chemistry applied to agriculture and botany, General Preparatory School in Havana. Classes start on October 3, 1858 and December 4 resumed his research on the cultivation of sugarcane.

In 1858 Reynolds began the publication of the transcript made by him in Madrid, the manuscripts of the Benedictine Father Martin Sarmiento, choosing dating in 1761 entitled “Origin and age of the buboes or syphilis.” And denied the false claims about the origin of the disease.

A Royal Decree in July 1859, Dr. Alvaro Reynoso was named director of the Institute for Chemical Research of Havana, in place of Professor Casaseca. Were met and aspirations who was his teacher.

Impossible Reynoso’s work viable in the neocolonial republic, in which our country became a political and economic appendix of the U.S., underdeveloped, with a structure characterized by large estates, illiteracy and low educational level of the masses. His studies were a severe criticism of slavery and the conditions of a colonized country, They show their struggle to try to overcome those conditions. Because Cuba is a largely agricultural.

Monopoly interests of the U.S. government stopped the scientific and technological development achieved during the nineteenth century. Agronomic principles of the eminent Cuban scientist Alvaro Reynoso full significance only achieved the triumph of the Revolution in 1959. Until then his Essay on the cultivation of sugarcane was better known and studied in other countries, in Cuba.

On Cuban soil, delivered a popular science experiments and on different crops such as snuff, rice, corn and coffee, this universal class scientist spent his last years in extreme poverty. Suffering from tuberculosis and left at 6:30 pm on August 11, 1888, ceased to exist in the Hill home, was then 58 years old.

“Cuban science today is related to the science of the past, which takes center stage Alvaro Reynoso, delves into the roots, studies and highlights their legitimate values, (7). Known are the accomplishments of Task Alvaro Reynoso conducted by the Ministry of Sugar Industry in the country which has raised the level of technical and cultural training of workers in this important sector of national economy.

Jose Marti, cited by Francisco Diaz Barreiro, referring to Reynolds asserted: “There are young people today the same energy that won imperishable laurels to the youth that was worthy in science and just European reputation, the illustrious chemist , Cuban Alvaro Reynoso “(1). Marti refers to the Cuban scientist, respected and admired by prominent scientists of his time and the value of Cuban youth of today and of all time. It is of great importance for the integral formation of future professionals in the medical sciences the knowledge of the work of this prominent Cuban scientist.

References and notes used

1 – Cardell, L. Biochemistry. People and Education ed. Volume IV. Chapter. 75. p. 1035 to 1039. Havana, 1999.

2 – Diaz Barreiro, Francisco. Text selection: Alvaro Reynoso. Social Sciences Publishing House, Havana, 1984.

3 – _____________. Alvaro Reynoso: The controversy over slavery. La Habana. Social Sciences Publishing House, 1987.

4 – Garcia Blanco, Rolando. Alvaro Valdes Reynoso. In: One hundred figures of science in Cuba. Rolando Garcia Blanco. / Et-al /. Scientific-Technical Publishing. Havana, 2002

5 – Lopez Sanchez, Jose. Science and Medicine: History of medicine. Scientific and Technical Publishing. Havana, 1986.

6 – _____________. Science and Medicine: History of science. Scientific and Technical Publishing. Havana, 1986.

7 – San Miguel, Raul. Myth of Cuban Studies. Havana, 2004.

8 – Pinillo Martinez-Robles, Julio Alberto. Overview of Diabetes Mellitus. Ediciones El Abra. Isla de la Juventud, 2002.

9 – Journal of Medicine. Volume 26 No. 7

10 – Journal of Medicine. Volume 26 No. 8

11 – American Journal of Public Health. Volume 10 No. 5 November 2001 (Special Issue on Diabetes)

12 – Varela Perez, Juan. Alvaro Reynoso: A scientist who was ahead of its time. Havana, 2007.

Biographies of the authors.

Ms. Carmen Arias Martinez: He studied primary school Jesus Menendez of his native province. Secondary education in the Battle of Palo Seco ESBEC and high school in the IPUEC Jose Maceo both on the Isle of Youth. He completed his studies at the Pedagogical Institute Enrique Jose Varona of Havana where he graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Education in Specialty Chemicals. Currently working in the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Isla de la Juventud as a professor of Biochemistry and Head of Department of General Education. Teacher Category: Teacher. Has participated in several scientific events such as: Education, acting as author, Science and Technology Forum, as a juror and speaker with outstanding results; Women Creative, Workshops Man Nature and Environment and tutor jury awarded works , First Congress of Health Technology and the University territorial event 2010. It is pursuing a Master’s in Higher Education.

Ms. Mercedes Perez Valdes. He studied primary school Fabian Fernandez Riera on the Isle of Youth. Secondary education in the Battle of Palo Seco ESBEC and the ESBEC Cristobal Labra Perez at the end of grade 9 chose nursing career, which he studied at the Polytechnic of Health Giovanni Ardizzone in the Isla de la Juventud. In 1988 he graduated from Nursing Technician and then performs a degree in Nursing from the Higher Institute of Victoria de Giron Medical Sciences in Havana. Currently working in the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the Isla de la Juventud as a teacher of Defense Preparedness. Teacher Category: Teacher. He has participated in Science Educational Conference, Forum on Science and Technology, Women Creative, Disaster Workshop, course on International Humanitarian Law (IHL). It is pursuing a Master of Care for Children.

Submitted by:

Rockrose

Authors:

Carmen Arias Martinez

Mercedes Perez Valdes

Cuba, Isle of Youth.

February 2008