Adolf Fick
German-born physician and physiologist
About Adolf Fick
Lived 1829 – 1901 (aged 71). Adolf Fick was a German physiologist, university teacher, biophysicist and physician, known for Fick principle, Fick's laws of diffusion and Imbert-Fick law.
Career
In 1855, he introduced Fick's laws of diffusion, which govern the diffusion of a gas across a fluid membrane. In 1870, he was the first to measure cardiac output, using what is now called the Fick principle.
Fick managed to double-publish his law of diffusion, as it applied equally to physiology and physics. His work led to the development of the direct Fick method for measuring cardiac output.
Anecdotal Fick's nephew, Adolf Gaston Eugen Fick, invented the contact lens.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Adolf Fick?
German-born physician and physiologist (1829-1901)
When was Adolf Fick born?
Adolf Fick was born on 3 September 1829 in Kassel.
When did Adolf Fick die?
Adolf Fick died on 21 August 1901 in Blankenberge.
What was Adolf Fick's occupation?
Adolf Fick was a physiologist, university teacher, biophysicist and physician.
What was Adolf Fick known for?
Adolf Fick was known for Fick principle, Fick's laws of diffusion and Imbert-Fick law.
What nationality was Adolf Fick?
Adolf Fick was German.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Adolf Fick. https://biography.guide/adolf-fick/
MLA: "Adolf Fick." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/adolf-fick/.
Chicago: "Adolf Fick." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/adolf-fick/.
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