Albrecht von Haller (October 16, 1708 - December 12, 1777) was a Swiss anatomist and physiologist. He is often referred to as "the father of modern physiology." Haller worked on the nervous system, and recognized the tendency of muscle fibers to contract when stimulated, or when the attached nerve is stimulated. He showed that only the nerves can transmit sensation, and that they are gathered into the brain. He wrote the first physiology textbook and worked on the circulation, respiration and digestion. He was the first to assess the effect of a medicine by testing it on the healthy. The quantity of work achieved by Haller in the 17 years during which he occupied his professorship was immense. Apart from the ordinary work of his classes, which entailed the task of newly organizing a botanical garden, an anatomical theater and museum, and an obstetrical school. He conducted a monthly journal (the G繹ttingische gelehrte Anzeigen), to which he is said to have contributed twelve thousand articles relating to almost every branch of human knowledge. He was also a poet, bibliographer, botanist and political writer. Around the year 1773 the state of his health forced him to withdraw from public business. He supported his failing strength by means opium. The excessive use of the drug is believed, however, to have hastened his death in 1777 at the age of 69. Engraving from "Vies des savants illustres" by Louis Figuier.