Olof Rudbeck

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Olof Rudbeck

1630-1702

Swedish naturalist who in 1651 discovered the lymphatic system, notably that of the digestive system and the thoracic duct. The lymph system of vessels moves lymph from the tissues to the bloodstream. Rudbeck was a student of medicine at the University of Uppsala, Sweden, where he later became a professor of botany and anatomy and, at age 31, chancellor. While at Uppsala he also built a botanical garden.

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