ABSTRACT
Charles Richet is best known for the discovery of anaphylaxis that, from studies begun in 1902, won him the Nobel Prize in 1913. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially fatal hypersensitivity reaction induced by an injection of a foreign substance, usually a protein, to which an individual has already been sensitized. Richet's discoveries, made while exploring the phenomena of anaphylaxis, actually linked hypersensitivity to protection and thereby led to the unraveling of the mystery of immunity conferred by vaccination and inoculation. The promise of eugenics was one such concern that held great appeal for Richet and he devoted much time to it. Richet was also concerned with the loss to France of fine human specimens in wars. Richet opposed war and considered pacifism the best way to preserve the world's human potential, especially that of France. The influence of Richet's father in the medical faculty gave a powerful boost to his son's academic ambitions.
