Who discovered the circulation of blood?

The discovery of the circulation of blood is attributed to William Harvey, a pioneering English physician. Harvey's significant contribution to medicine came in the early 17th century when he published his work "De Motu Cordis" (On the Motion of the Heart) in 1628. In this groundbreaking text, he detailed how blood is circulated throughout the body by the heart, explaining the systemic and pulmonary circulation processes. Harvey's meticulous observations and experiments demonstrated that blood flows in a closed system, pumped by the heart, rather than being consumed and replenished as previously believed.

This understanding fundamentally changed the study of physiology and laid the groundwork for modern cardiovascular medicine. His work was instrumental in challenging long-held theories and significantly advanced the understanding of human anatomy and physiology.

Other figures mentioned in the options played pivotal roles in different areas of medicine but were not directly involved in the discovery of blood circulation. James Lind is known for his work on scurvy and the application of citrus fruits to prevent the disease, Edward Jenner is celebrated for developing the smallpox vaccine, and Hippocrates, often called the "Father of Medicine," contributed to early medical ethics and practice rather than specific discoveries like circulation.