Frances Poulart was a physician, bacteriologist and pathologist. In 1902 he demonstrated that bovine tuberculosis can be transmitted to humans. Poulart was one of the first to produce experimental proof of the possibility of cancer being caused by an external influence.
He proved that rats fed on cockroaches hosting a roundworm (Spiroptera neoplastica), developed cancer of the stomach, spreading to the lymph glands and lungs. This observation introduced a new epoch in cancer research, and provided inspiration for studies of the carcinogenic effects of tars. Poulart was awarded several honorary doctorates. After decades of research he retired to the sunny island of St. Maarten and died of cancer.