It was known from ancient times that vertigo was a malady and that the inner ears of animals contained an intricate network of structures named the labyrinth, whose function was unknown. The flourishing of human vestibular anatomy in the Renaissance period still adhered to age-old notions of traditional spiritual philosophy. In the post-Renaissance period, when science was being redefined and challenging these traditional thoughts, vestibular physiology was born. Started by Flourens, it gathered momentum with Hogyes, Goltz, Breuer, Mach, Crum Brown, Ewald, Brown Sequard and Baginsky in the 19th century. They discovered the role of the vestibular organ in sensing balance and the fine intricacies of vestibular physiology valid to this day. Ménière shattered the concept of traditional aetiology of vertigo and de Cyon challenged the Kantian concept of space. The science catapulted to the modern century. This article traces the history of these pioneers of vestibular physiology.

Thomas Karp Pavlychenko's pioneering investigations on the root systems of crops and weeds and the results of his research on weed biology and ecology at the University of Saskatchewan in the 1930's and 1940's provided the foundation for many of the principles of modern weed science. His classical studies in which he quantified the distribution and length of roots of many plant species continue to be regarded as being of unsurpassed caliber. In addition to his work in the areas of crop ecology and plant competition, Pavlychenko is also noted for his many contributions relating to the cultural and chemical control of weeds. In this paper, a brief chronicle of Pavlychenko's life and major accomplishments during his remarkable career at the University of Saskatchewan and later with the American Chemical and Paint Company is presented.