Pierre Demours

Pierre Demours (* 1702 in Marseille, † June 26, 1795 ) was a French ophthalmologist.

Life

Demours, son of a pharmacist, studied at the Universities of Avignon and Paris medicine. In 1728 he received his doctorate in Avignon. He settled in Paris and became a demonstrator in 1730 and overseer of the natural history cabinet in the royal garden. From 1732 he devoted himself - in addition to his practical activity as an ophthalmologist - with Antoine Petit anatomical studies of the eye. He described in 1767 the rear basement membrane (lamina limitans posterior) of the cornea. Their discovery complaining Jean Descemet for themselves what violent dispute broke out between the two researchers. Opposite the name Demours membrane today the designation Descemet's membrane has prevailed.

In addition to his clinical activities, as well as a royal ophthalmologist, and his research is Demours also dedicated himself to translation work. He sat among other things, begun by François de Bremond translations of the Philosophical Transactions continued, adding this to the 1737 bis in 1741. The translations were not published until 1759-1761.

His son was the ophthalmologist Antoine- Pierre Demours ( 1762-1836 ).

The rue Pierre- Demours in the 17th arrondissement of Paris is named after Demours since 1932.

Writings (selection )

• Observations concernant l' histoire naturelle, et les maladies des yeux. In 1740.
• Nouvelles Reflexions sur la lame cartilagineuse de la cornée. 1770