Richet, Charles Robert, << ree SHAY, sharl roh BEHR >> (1850-1935), a French physiologist, was awarded the 1913 Nobel Prize for physiology or medicine for his studies into anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic shock, is a rare, life-threatening allergic reaction that affects the whole body. The reaction develops rapidly after two or more exposures to an allergen (substance that provokes an allergic reaction). See Anaphylactic shock .
Richet was also known for his investigations into respiration, digestion, muscle contraction, hypnosis, and epilepsy. He had a wide array of interests, not only as a scientist but also as a poet, novelist, and playwright.
Richet was born in Paris. He received his medical degree in 1877 at the University of Paris. He was editor of the Revue scientifique for 24 years, and he wrote many papers on physiology and experimental pathology. Richet was appointed to the chair of physiology at the College de France in Paris in 1887.
