The statement that humans are approximately 70% water is a well-established scientific fact that has been known for many years. It was not discovered by any single individual but is the result of scientific research and analysis conducted by multiple researchers over time.
The understanding of the human body's composition, including the percentage of water, has evolved through various studies and experiments in biology, physiology, and medicine. One of the earliest contributors to this knowledge was the Belgian scientist J.B. Dumas, who in the early 19th century conducted experiments on animal and human tissues, revealing the high water content of living organisms.
In the mid-20th century, advancements in analytical techniques, such as infrared spectroscopy, allowed for more accurate measurements of the body's water content. Research by scientists like Irving H. Page and Max Kleiber contributed to the understanding of water's importance in the human body and its role in various physiological processes.
Today, the percentage of water in the human body is commonly accepted to be around 60% to 70%, varying slightly depending on factors such as age, sex, and body composition. This knowledge is well-established and can be found in many biology and anatomy textbooks as a fundamental fact about human physiology.