Arthur E. DuBois

Arthur E. DuBois. He was an American physiologist whose pioneering research on human metabolism and the physiological effects of high altitude made significant contributions to both basic science and the field of aviation medicine. His career spanned academic positions at leading institutions and critical military service during World War II, where his work directly supported the safety and performance of Allied aircrews. DuBois is particularly remembered for his precise measurements of basal metabolic rate and his investigations into decompression sickness and oxygen use.

Early life and education

Arthur E. DuBois was born in 1892. He pursued his undergraduate education at Harvard University, where he developed a foundation in the biological sciences. He continued his studies at Harvard Medical School, earning his medical degree and cultivating an early interest in human physiology. This academic training at one of the nation's premier institutions positioned him for a career dedicated to rigorous experimental research.

Academic career

Following his medical training, DuBois began his academic career with an appointment at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. He later joined the faculty of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, where he served as a professor of physiology. At Cornell, he was a key member of the Cornell University Medical College in New York City, contributing to both teaching and the institution's research mission. His academic work during this period established him as a respected figure in the American Physiological Society.

Research in physiology

DuBois's primary research focus was the measurement and understanding of human energy metabolism. He collaborated extensively with colleagues like Eugene F. Du Bois (no relation) to refine the techniques and calculations for determining the basal metabolic rate, a critical clinical and research metric. His work involved precise calorimetry studies and helped standardize methods used worldwide. This research provided essential data on how factors like age, body size, and thyroid function influence metabolic processes, contributing foundational knowledge to the fields of endocrinology and nutrition.

Military service and aviation medicine

During World War II, DuBois's expertise was commissioned by the United States Army Air Forces. He served as a major and later lieutenant colonel, leading research at the renowned Aero Medical Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. There, he conducted vital experiments using altitude chambers to study the effects of hypoxia and rapid decompression on pilots and aircrew. His investigations into the prevention of decompression sickness (\"the bends\") and the optimal use of oxygen mask systems were directly applied to improve the safety of high-altitude flights in aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-29 Superfortress.

Awards and legacy

For his exceptional service, DuBois was awarded the Legion of Merit by the United States Department of War. His legacy endures in the continued use of the DuBois body surface area chart, a standard tool in clinical medicine for calculating drug dosages and metabolic rates. The principles he established in aviation medicine informed later research for the United States Air Force and NASA during the early Space Race. His work remains a cornerstone in the history of environmental physiology and aerospace medicine.

Category:American physiologists Category:Aviation medicine Category:Harvard University alumni Category:1892 births Category:1966 deaths