An Essay on the Shaking Palsy (eBook)

James Parkinson (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
33 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654711998-2 (EAN)

Infos

In "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy," published in 1817, James Parkinson presents a groundbreaking exploration of a disorder that would later bear his name—Parkinson's disease. This seminal work, characterized by its meticulous observational style and emerging scientific rigor, expertly blends clinical observation with a patient-centered narrative. Parkinson describes the disorder's symptoms, progression, and potential etiology, establishing it as a distinct neurological condition. His use of detailed case studies not only enriches the text but also situates it within the burgeoning field of neurology, marking a significant departure from the oft-misunderstood ailments of his time. James Parkinson, a British surgeon and apothecary, was deeply committed to the advancement of medical understanding in the early 19th century. His interest in the pathology of the nervous system was influenced by both his clinical experiences and a wider cultural inquiry into the human condition following the Enlightenment. A self-taught practitioner, Parkinson meticulously documented cases of the disorder, highlighting the need for recognition and further study, which reveals his dedication to patient advocacy. This book is an essential read for those interested in the history of medicine, neurology, and the evolution of medical thought. Parkinson's work not only laid the foundation for modern medical terminology and research into motor disorders but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human illness and the pursuit of knowledge in its myriad forms.

Autor

James Parkinson (1755–1824) was an English surgeon, apothecary, geologist, palaeontologist, and political activist, who is best known for his 1817 work 'An Essay on the Shaking Palsy', where he was the first to systematically describe the condition known today as Parkinson's disease. Born in London, Parkinson followed in his father's footsteps by entering the field of medicine. His early medical work was broad, ranging from general practice to midwifery, but his interests extended beyond, leading to significant contributions in geology and palaeontology. In his landmark essay, Parkinson provided a meticulous account of the progressive neurological condition, characterizing the six individuals with the disease's cardinal features. His work was not fully appreciated during his lifetime, but over the years, 'An Essay on the Shaking Palsy' gained eminence and Parkinson was posthumously honored when Jean-Martin Charcot advocated naming the disease after him. Apart from his medical pursuits, Parkinson was a fervent advocate for social reform, channeling his energies into improving the health and welfare of the general public. His literary style, characterized by clarity and empirical observation, mirrored the paradigm shift towards modern clinical science of his time. Parkinson's contributions were grounded in keen observation and careful documentation, principles that would pave the way for future generations of clinicians and researchers.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 1.8.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur
• Themenwelt: Medizin / Pharmazie ► Pharmazie
• Schlagworte: 18th century • 19th century medicine • 19th century scientific works • British physician • Classic • classic medical texts • clinical observation • enlightenment era science • healthcare professional reference • historical essays • historical medical document • Human Anatomy • Internal Medicine • James Parkinson author • literature on medicine • medical classics • medical essay • Medical History • Medical history exploration • movement disorder • movement disorder analysis • Neurodegenerative Disease • neurological disease study • Neurological disorder • neurology literature • observational clinical research • Parkinson's Disease • Parkinson's disease foundation • parkinson's disease history • patient care advancements • public domain classical books • scientific observation • scientific writing style