# Henry Hallett Dale

> English pharmacologist, Nobel laureate (1875–1968)

**Wikidata**: [Q72194](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q72194)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Hallett_Dale)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-hallett-dale

## Summary
Henry Hallett Dale was an English pharmacologist and Nobel laureate (1875–1968) known for his groundbreaking research on neurotransmitters, particularly acetylcholine, which laid the foundation for modern pharmacology and neurology. His work earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1936, making him the first British scientist to win the award.

## Biography
- Born: June 9, 1875, London, United Kingdom
- Nationality: British
- Education:
  - Trinity College, Cambridge (Bachelor of Arts, 1898)
  - University College London (Doctor of Medicine, 1901)
- Known for: Discovering the role of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter
- Employer(s):
  - St Bartholomew's Hospital (London)
  - University College London
- Field(s): Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Biochemistry

## Contributions
- **Discovery of Acetylcholine**: Dale and his colleague Sir Otto Loewi demonstrated that acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter, a discovery that revolutionized neuroscience and pharmacology. This work was published in 1936 and earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
- **Advancements in Neuropharmacology**: Dale's research on the chemical transmission of nerve impulses provided critical insights into how the nervous system functions, influencing future studies in pharmacology and medicine.
- **Teaching and Mentorship**: As a professor at University College London, Dale trained numerous pharmacologists and neuroscientists, shaping the field for decades.

## FAQs
**What was Henry Hallett Dale's most significant scientific contribution?**
Dale's most significant contribution was proving that acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter, a discovery that earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1936. This work fundamentally advanced our understanding of chemical signaling in the nervous system.

**Where did Henry Hallett Dale conduct his research?**
Dale conducted his research primarily at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London and later at University College London, where he held a professorship in pharmacology.

**What awards did Henry Hallett Dale receive?**
Dale received numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1936), the Royal Medal, the Copley Medal, and the Order of Merit. He was also knighted and elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

**Who was Henry Hallett Dale's collaborator in the acetylcholine discovery?**
Dale collaborated with Sir Otto Loewi on the discovery of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter, a partnership that led to their shared Nobel Prize.

## Why They Matter
Henry Hallett Dale's discovery of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter was a landmark achievement in neuroscience, paving the way for modern pharmacology and neurobiology. His work provided the foundation for understanding how the nervous system communicates, leading to breakthroughs in treating neurological disorders and developing medications. Dale's influence extended beyond his own research, as he trained generations of scientists who continued to advance the field. His legacy endures in the ongoing study of neurotransmitters and their role in health and disease.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1936)**: First British scientist to win the Nobel Prize in this category.
- **Royal Medal (1936)**: Awarded by the Royal Society for his contributions to science.
- **Copley Medal (1948)**: One of the highest honors in British science.
- **Order of Merit (1945)**: Civilian honor for distinguished service.
- **Knight Bachelor (1936)**: Appointed by King George VI.
- **Fellow of the Royal Society**: Elected in 1918, one of the most prestigious scientific societies in the world.
- **Professor of Pharmacology at University College London**: Held this position from 1929 to 1945, shaping the field of pharmacology.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
- **Born**: June 9, 1875, in London, England.
- **Education**:
  - Attended Trinity College, Cambridge, where he studied natural sciences and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1898.
  - Earned a Doctor of Medicine from University College London in 1901.

### Career and Research
- **Early Career**: Began his medical career at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, where he worked as a physician and researcher.
- **Breakthrough Discovery**: Collaborated with Sir Otto Loewi to prove that acetylcholine acts as a neurotransmitter, a discovery that earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1936.
- **Academic Leadership**: Appointed Professor of Pharmacology at University College London in 1929, where he taught and mentored future generations of scientists.

### Awards and Honors
- **Nobel Prize (1936)**: Awarded for his work on neurotransmitters, specifically acetylcholine.
- **Royal Medal (1936)**: Presented by the Royal Society for his scientific achievements.
- **Copley Medal (1948)**: One of the Royal Society's highest honors, recognizing his lifetime contributions to science.
- **Order of Merit (1945)**: Civilian honor for distinguished service to the nation.
- **Knight Bachelor (1936)**: Appointed by King George VI, becoming Sir Henry Hallett Dale.

### Legacy and Influence
- **Foundational Work**: Dale's research on neurotransmitters laid the groundwork for modern pharmacology and neurobiology.
- **Mentorship**: Trained numerous scientists who continued to advance the field of neuroscience.
- **Global Recognition**: His work earned him international acclaim and membership in prestigious scientific academies, including the Royal Society, the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, and the Russian Academy of Sciences.

### Personal Life
- **Death**: Died on July 23, 1968, in London, England.
- **Family**: Married to Margaret Dale, and they had two children.

### Affiliations
- **St Bartholomew's Hospital**: Conducted research and clinical work.
- **University College London**: Held a professorship and mentored students.
- **Royal Society**: Elected as a Fellow in 1918.
- **German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina**: Foreign member.
- **Russian Academy of Sciences**: Foreign member.

### Publications and Contributions
- **Key Papers**: Co-authored numerous influential papers on neurotransmitters and pharmacology.
- **Textbooks**: Contributed to educational materials that shaped the teaching of pharmacology.
- **Scientific Leadership**: Advocated for the importance of chemical signaling in the nervous system, influencing future research directions.

Dale's work remains foundational in neuroscience, and his legacy continues to inspire researchers studying neurotransmitters and their role in health and disease.

## References

1. Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. Who's Who
5. [Source](http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/1936/)
6. [Source](https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/about/amounts/)
7. [Award winners : Copley Medal. Royal Society](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1dsunM9ukGLgaW3HdG9cvJ_QKd7pWjGI0qi_fCb1ROD4/pubhtml?gid=1336391689&single=true)
8. [Source](http://geschichte.univie.ac.at/en/persons/henry-hallett-dale-sir)
9. [Source](https://professional.diabetes.org/content-page/1941-2023-banting-medal-scientific-achievement-award)
10. Plarr's Lives of the Fellows
11. [Source](https://www.royalsociety.org.nz/who-we-are/our-people/our-fellows/all-honorary-fellows/)
12. Le général de Gaulle à la séance solennelle de rentrée de l'Université de Paris. Le Monde. 1945
13. International Standard Name Identifier
14. Q137170397
15. [Source](https://wellcomecollection.org/works/puyd374s)
16. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
17. SNAC
18. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
19. Proleksis Encyclopedia
20. Croatian Encyclopedia
21. www.academie-medecine.fr
22. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
23. nobelprize.org
24. BBC Things
25. La France savante
26. Virtual International Authority File