Galvani, volta and the crucial experiments: The emblematic controversy of animal electricity

Abstract

The controversy between Galvani and Volta about animal electricity can be considered one of the greatest in the history of science. Throughout this quarrel, the theoretical presuppositions of each one dialogued proficuamente with numerous experiments developed. The experiments, loaded with theory, made the frog the best friend (or enemy, for suffering too much) of both; satisfying the desires of each, turning to both electrobiology and electrophysics. Briefly rescuing this conflict, this article discusses some experiments developed by these two scholars, which illustrates the Steinle's conception of exploratory experimentation, discusses in what sense some experiments may in principle be considered crucial in the controversy and emphasizes implications for science education.