Charles Richet

Son of surgeon Alfred Richet, Charles was professor of physiology at the University of Paris faculty of medicine. In 1901, while conducting marine research aboard Prince Albert I of Monaco's yacht, he investigated the toxic tentacles of the Portuguese man-o'-war and sea anemones.

Injecting dogs with minute, sub-lethal doses of anemone toxin, Richet expected them to develop protective immunity; instead, a second tiny dose weeks later caused immediate fatal shock. He coined the word 'anaphylaxis' (the opposite of prophylaxis), proving that the immune system can turn lethally against the body it is meant to defend.