Vital Principle

Although the vital principle is nonexistent, “it nevertheless managed to influence the popularization of the tooth transplant, the revival of the skin graft and the resurrection of blood transfusion [in early 19th c., via e.g., the accoucheur James Blumenell]. Though it has since been debunked, vitalism nevertheless inspired transplant surgeons to, for the first time, formulate their profession’s most noble aim: to preserve human life” (Chaddock, 167-170, quoted at 170).