Bayliss

Bayliss is an English surname. It is carried by several notable individuals and has been associated with historical contributions in science and medicine, among other fields.

The most prominent figure is William Maddock Bayliss (1860–1924), an English physiologist who, in collaboration with Ernest Starling, made foundational advances in the study of digestion and endocrine regulation. In the early 1900s their experiments showed that pancreatic secretions are triggered by stimuli in the intestinal lumen, supporting the concept that internal secretions regulate distant organs. This work helped lay the groundwork for modern endocrinology and the broader understanding of how chemical messengers coordinate physiological processes. Bayliss’s research also encompassed investigations into epithelial transport and nerve activity, contributing to the development of experimental physiology.

Beyond William Bayliss, the surname has been borne by various figures in science, sports, academia, and public life. As a family name, Bayliss has several variants and appears in historical and contemporary contexts in English-speaking regions.

See also: Baylis (surname) and Bayless (disambiguation) for closely related names and potential variants.