Scandinavian Scholars and the Lymphatic System Discovery Debate

While credit for the discovery of the lymphatic system remains a matter of controversy, it is evident that both claimants hailed from Scandinavian backgrounds and hailed from esteemed academic lineages. Thomas Bartholin, along with his father and son, all anatomists at the University of Copenhagen, played pivotal roles in this tale. Bartholin embarked on his search for the thoracic duct in humans after his brother's revelation about its presence in dogs. He conducted his investigations on the cadavers of two criminals, generously provided by the king for this purpose. In 1652, he publicly proclaimed his groundbreaking discovery of the human lymphatic system as a distinct and independent entity.

An oil portrait from 1661 captures Queen Christina of Sweden (1626–1689), painted by the Dutch-born artist Abraham Wuchters (1610–1682). Queen Christina, a figure of intriguing complexity and history, ascended to the throne in 1633. She formed a close friendship with the philosopher René Descartes, chose not to enter into matrimony, abdicated her royal duties in 1654, embraced the Catholic faith, and predominantly resided in Rome for the remainder of her life.

Bartholin's assertion of priority faced a challenge from Olauf (also spelled Olof and Olaus) Rudbeck the Elder, a prominent scientist and physician. Rudbeck presented his findings on the lymphatic system at the court of Queen Christina of Sweden in 1652. However, he failed to produce a written report until the subsequent year, unequivocally after Bartholin's announcement. (Notably, Greta Garbo portrayed Queen Christina in a 1933 film.)

Rudbeck, an historical linguist, exhibited a penchant for imaginative ideas. From 1679 until his death in 1702, he compiled a four-volume opus titled "Atlantica," spanning 3,000 pages. In this work, he posited that Sweden was the true Atlantis, as described by Plato in 300 BCE, and that the Swedish language was the root of Latin and Hebrew. His theories encountered criticism and ridicule, particularly within Scandinavia, despite Sweden's status as a major European power during that era.

The lymphatic system comprises a complex network of organs, lymph nodes, ducts, and vessels responsible for producing and removing lymph from tissues and directing it to the bloodstream. The thoracic duct, the body's primary lymphatic vessel, collects and transports lymph from the lower body. Lymph, a milky fluid containing lymphocytes (integral to the immune system) and chyle (a mixture of lymph and fats), plays a crucial role in defending the body against infections and tumor spread. Additionally, the lymphatic system collects and eliminates interstitial fluids enveloping cells.