Luigi Galvani was an Italian physician and physicist who lived from 1737 to 1798. He is best known for his discoveries in the field of bioelectricity, particularly his experiments with frog muscles that led to the concept of animal electricity. Galvani's work laid the foundation for the development of electrophysiology and the understanding of the role of electricity in the nervous system and muscle function. His research had a significant impact on the study of physiology and neuroscience.