William Cumberland Cruikshank

William Cumberland Cruikshank (* 1745 in Edinburgh, † June 27, 1800 ) was a British chemist and anatomist.

Life

He worked as a prosector for the Scottish anatomist and surgeon John Hunter ( 1728-1793 ). Differences in injuries of the upper and lower cervical spine astonished him, and he subsequently discovered the respiratory center. He also observed the first nerve regeneration. He first used chlorine to disinfect water. In 1797 he reported for the first time from the assets of the urine to curdle when heated. In 1800 he identified carbon monoxide as a compound of carbon and oxygen.

He is often confused with William Cruickshank († 1810 ), who improved the Volta battery.

Works

• The Anatomy of the Absorbing Vessels of the Human Body