Origins & Early Life

Étienne-Jules Marey (French: [etjɛn ʒyl maʁɛ]; 5 March 1830, Beaune, Côte-d'Or – 15 May 1904, Paris) was a French scientist, physiologist, and chronophotographer. His work was significant in the development of cardiology, physical instrumentation, aviation, cinematography, and the science of laboratory photography. He is widely considered to be a pioneer of photography and an influential pioneer of the history of cinema. He was also a pioneer in establishing a variety of graphical techniques for the display and interpretation of quantitative data from physiological measurement.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Marey started by studying blood circulation in the human body. He then shifted to analyzing heart beats, respiration, muscles (myography), and movement of the body. To aid his studies, he developed many instruments for precise measurements. For example, in 1859, in collaboration with the physiologist Auguste Chauveau and the watch manufacturer Breguet, he developed a wearable Sphygmograph to measure the pulse. This sphygmograph was an improvement on an earlier and more cumbersome design by the German physiologist Karl von Vierordt.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 1869, Marey constructed a very delicate artificial insect...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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