René Quinton


René Quinton was a French physiologist and aviation pioneer.

Medicine

At the end of the 19th century, Quinton worked with Étienne-Jules Marey, Member of academy of medicine and president of the academy of sciences.
Quinton worked as assistant at the Laboratoire de Pathologie Physiologique in the Collège de France.
He studied temperatures and salt concentration between species. Quinton observed that ocean water is quite similar to human blood and made it drinkable and injectable.

Aviation

His work was significant in the development of aviation. Quinton co-founded the Aero Club de France. In 1908, he also founded the first school for pilots in the world named Ligue Nationale Aérienne with Ferdinand Ferber. Quinton worked with Paul Doumer, André Michelin and Paul Painlevé. Quinton was a member of a Parisian group of literary personalities called the "Forty-five," who honoured achievements in literature, sciences and arts. In May 1908 Ferber addressed the group at Quinton's suggestion and after he received a standing ovation for his accomplishments in aviation, Quinton was inspired to establish a 10,000 francs prize for the first person to fly for 5 minutes with engine stopped and without losing more than 50 metres altitude.