Sydney Ringer's name is associated with a balanced physiological solution, which contains selected inorganic constituents simulating a proteinfree filtrate of body fluid. Sydney was born in Norwich, England.1 His father, a tradesman, died while his children were young, but this misfortune did not prevent two of his sons from acquiring a fortune in the Far East. Sydney was educated at private schools, served as an apprentice in Norwich, and, at the age of 19, entered University College, London, as a medical student. He continued the association with this institution throughout his professional career. He received the MB in 1860 and the MD three years later, serving meanwhile as resident medical officer.
In 1863, Ringer became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians and a Fellow in 1870. At University College he was appointed professor of materia medica, pharmacology, and therapeutics from 1862-1878, professor of the principles of practice