Henry Dale

Sir Henry Hallett Dale (1875–1968) studied under Langley at Cambridge and Starling in London before directing the Wellcome Physiological Research Laboratories. In 1910, Dale isolated histamine from ergot fungus, proving that it mediated allergic anaphylactic shock and inflammation.

In 1914, Dale identified acetylcholine, meticulously distinguishing between its 'muscarinic' and 'nicotinic' receptors. Collaborating with Otto Loewi, Dale proved that acetylcholine was the biological chemical transmitter at the neuromuscular junction, allowing motor nerves to trigger voluntary muscle movement. He served as President of the Royal Society through World War II.