the discovery of pulmonary circulation has been attributed to several scientists over the years. in much of modern medical literature, the discovery is credited to english physician william harvey (1578 - 1657 ce). other sources credit spanish physician michael servetus (c. 1509 - 1553 ce) and arab physician ibn al-nafis (1213 - 1288 ce) with the discovery. however, earlier descriptions of the cardiovascular system are found in ancient cultures.