["The honor of being right": Experiment and theory in the dispute over the doctrine of irritability].

In the middle of the 18th century the leading physiological concepts shift from mechanism to vitalism. The turning point of this change is Albrecht von Haller's Dissertation on the irritable parts (1752/53). The decisive discussion about irritability takes place between strictly empirical Hallerians and their opponents who try to build new medical systems on this property. Hence, the debate is also about experiment and theory. The 'sociology of scientific knowledge' furnishes models and theories that help us to conceive the argumentations and strategies of the leading figures. Thus, we understand why even Haller--the 'founder of modern experimental physiology'--has to allow general conclusions and to support vitalistic interpretations if he wants to succeed with some of his views. Only in its modified form the 'Irritabilitas Halleriana' meets the interest needed for dissemination.