Carl Lange
Early Life and Education
Carl Lange was born on December 4, 1834, in Vordingborg, Denmark. He was the son of a schoolmaster and showed an early interest in medicine. He studied at the University of Copenhagen, where he received his medical degree in 1859.
Career
After graduating, Lange worked as a doctor in Copenhagen. He was particularly interested in neurology and psychiatry, and he made significant contributions to both fields. He is perhaps best known for his work on the Lange's theory of emotion, which he developed independently of, and simultaneously with, the American psychologist William James. This theory, also known as the James-Lange theory, proposes that emotions are the result of physiological responses to external events.
In addition to his work on emotion, Lange also made significant contributions to the understanding of multiple sclerosis. He was one of the first to suggest that the disease was caused by an immune response, a theory that is now widely accepted.
Lange was also a prolific writer, and he published numerous articles and books on a wide range of topics. His work was highly influential, and he is considered one of the founders of modern neurology and psychiatry in Denmark.
Lange's Theory of Emotion
Lange's theory of emotion, which he developed in the 1880s, proposes that emotions are the result of physiological responses to external events. According to this theory, when a person experiences a strong emotion, their body responds in a certain way (for example, their heart rate increases), and it is this physiological response that is perceived as the emotion.
This theory was revolutionary at the time, and it challenged the prevailing view that emotions were purely mental phenomena. Lange's theory has been highly influential, and it has shaped much of the subsequent research on emotion.
Contributions to Neurology
In addition to his work on emotion, Lange also made significant contributions to the field of neurology. He was one of the first to suggest that multiple sclerosis was caused by an immune response, a theory that is now widely accepted.
Lange also made important contributions to the understanding of other neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. His work in this area was highly influential, and it has had a lasting impact on the field of neurology.
Later Life and Legacy
Lange continued to work and publish until his death in 1900. His work has had a lasting impact on the fields of neurology and psychiatry, and he is considered one of the founders of these disciplines in Denmark.
Lange's theory of emotion continues to be influential, and it has shaped much of the subsequent research in this area. His contributions to the understanding of multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders have also had a lasting impact.
