1816-1892

English surgeon and histologist known for his studies of the structure and function of the kidney, eye, and striated muscles. Bowman was appointed to King's College Hospital, London. The development of the microscope enabled him to investigate tissue structure. He found that urine was a by-product of blood filtration in the kidney and that a capsule surrounding the kidney cells, or nephrons, is of prime importance in the process. This structure is now called Bowman's capsule. Later, Bowman became an outstanding expert in eye surgery and diseases. He received the honor of baronet in 1884.