Serge Metalnikov (1870-1946)

Biologist and zoologist, born in Russia, in 1870.
Studied at the University of St. Petersburg. He was admitted in the laboratory of Professor A. Kovalevsky, where he began the study of phagocytosis and excretory organs of insects.
1897-1898 Travelled to Heidelberg. He was entrusted with a scientific mission at the laboratory headed by Professor in zoology, Otto Bütschli, in Heidelberg; he conducted research on biology and physiology in diatomaceous.
1898-1900 During two winters, he stayed at the zoological station in Naples, where he conducted research on phagocytic and excretory organs in marine animals, guided by Anthon Dorn.
1901-1902 Trained in the laboratory of E. Metchnikoff at the Institut Pasteur, where he studied intracellular digestion in protozoa.
1907 Appointed as Professor of zoology at the University of St. Petersburg.
1910-1919 Elected Director at Lesgaft Institute of St. Petersburg.
1919 Forced to leave Russia after the Revolution, continued research at the Institut Pasteur, thanks to the benevolence of E. Roux.
1919-1946 Devoted himself to the study of invertebrate immunity: Experimental research on caterpillar Galleria mellonella, 1908 ; Intracellular digestion in the Infusoria, 1911 ; Immortality and rejuvenation, 1924 ; The microbial infection and immunity in bee moths (destruction of the tubercle bacillus by moths), 1927 ; The role of the nervous system and psychological factors in immunity, 1932 ; struggle against death, 1937.
Other works: on the basis of Ivan Pavlov's work on conditioned reflexes, S. Metalnikov demonstrated that in superior animals, a mere external excitation can change the white cell count in the blood or increase the production of antibodies and hemolysin; demonstrated the value of using spores to fight against insect pests; studied the effect of radioactive radiation upon the proliferation and morphology of microorganisms.
He died in 1946.

Collaborators : V. Chorine, J. Ermolaeff, Galadjieff, Gelelovitch, L. G. Meng, C. Savitch, C. Toumanoff, Yaximach, V. Zernoff.

Biographical reference tools:
- Metalnikov (Serge), Travaux du Professeur S. Metalnikov, 1940, 54 p. dac. Ronéo (Archives Pasteur, TRE.DS.85). - Nègre (Léopold), Serge Metalnikov (1870-1946), Annales de l'Institut Pasteur, t. 72, p. 660, 1946.

CeRIS' Archives Division (Institut Pasteur)