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Biography of Casimir FunkName: Casimir FunkBirth Date: February 23, 1884 Death Date: November 20, 1967 Place of Birth: Warsaw, Poland Nationality: Polish, American Gender: Male Occupations: biochemist Casimir Funk The discoverer of vitamins, Polish American biochemist Casimir Funk (1884-1967) found that vitamins B1, B2, C, and D were necessary to human health and that vitamins contributed to the normal functioning of the hormonal system. His work led to the prevention of beriberi, rickets, scurvy, and other diseases caused by vitamin deficiency.Studied in Switzerland and GermanyFunk was born February 23, 1884, in Warsaw, Poland, then part of Russia. His mother was Gustawa Zysan and his father was Jacques Funk, a dermatologist. At the time, education for Poles was difficult. All public schools were under Russia's control. Getting into a school required the help of someone with influence.Funk was tutored at home until he was admitted to public school, where he did well at his studies. Dissatisfied with the education Funk was receiving, his parents enrolled him in the Warsaw Gymnasium in 1894. Funk graduated in 1900 and continued his education. He studied biology …showed first 150 words…
…showed last 150 words…at which cancer grows, separating Vitamin D from cholesterol, and realizing that bacteria are a necessary part of the diet.Generations of children made to consume cod liver oil by their parents may not appreciate Funk's work, but it is certain that his contributions have improved the health of countless. Indeed, his work clearly contributed to the increased life span many people enjoy in modern society. Further Reading American National Biography, Oxford University Press, 1999.Dictionary of American Biography, Supplement 8: 1966-1970, American Council of Learned Societies, 1988.Funk, Casimir and H.E. Dubin,Vitamin and Mineral Therapy, U.S. Vitamin Corporation, 1936.Washington Post, October 16, 1985."Funk, Casimir," Encyclopedia.com, http://www.encyclopedia.com/articles/04822.html (January 6, 2002)."Polish Born Biochemist Casimir Funk Introduces the Name Vitamin," Intellihealth, http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/23722/21250/245416.html?d=dmtContent (January 6, 2002)."Year 1912 - Casimir Funk Coins The Name 'Vitamin,'" India Infoline, http://www.indiainfoline.com/phar/mile/1912.html (January 6, 2002). |