A convenient “inconvenience”: The eponymous legacy of Sir William Richard Gowers (1845–1915)

A century since his passing, the legacy of the great Victorian clinical neurologist, Sir William Richard Gowers (1845–1915), remains traceable to students and practitioners of medicine worldwide through eponymous medical terms named in his honor. Popular designations like “Gowers’ sign” continue to lead curious minds to learn more about the pioneering neurologist’s lifework and influence, and yet Gowers himself was not fond of medical eponyms. Memorably remarking that eponyms were an educational “inconvenience” in medicine, Gowers was apt to disfavor the system in the very same lecture in which he reportedly first referred to the spinal cord fasciculus that later took his name. This article will examine Gowers’ own use of eponyms alongside the eponymous medical terms named for him, and, in the process, will show how Gowers’ “inconvenience” may be of great service to the historically inclined modern clinician today

Centennial ties: Harvey Cushing (1869–1939) and William Osler (1849–1919) on Andreas Vesalius (1514–1564)

Andreas Vesalius is often regarded as the founding father of modern anatomical study. The quincentennial anniversary of his birth - 31 December 2014 - has been very widely commemorated, and it is the purpose of this article to contrast these celebrations with what happened during the Vesalius quatercentenary year of 1914. More specifically, we look at how Vesalius was perceived a century ago by examining his influence on two of western medicine's most iconic gentlemen - Harvey Williams Cushing (1869-1939) and his larger than life mentor, Sir William Osler (1849-1919)

The death of Sir Victor Horsley (1857–1916) and his burial in Amarah

Sir Victor Alexander Haden Horsley (1857–1916), the pioneering British neurological surgeon, passed away 100 years ago. He died young in his sixtieth year from the effects of heat stroke while serving as consulting military surgeon to the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force in Amarah, modern-day Iraq, and was buried in the now largely abandoned “Amara War Cemetery.” By the time of his death in 1916, Victor Horsley had established himself as one of the most eminent innovators of modern neurological surgery. His pioneering researches in cerebral physiology earned him an early reputation in the field, and his experiences with vivisection allowed him to confidently operate on the brain and spinal cord at a time when surgical intervention of the nervous system was fraught with uncertainty. Outside the operating theatre, Horsley was a proud advocate for a number of sometimes controversial sociopolitical issues; national temperance, women’s suffrage, and medical unionism particularly interested him. He brought the same courageousness to the British army during the First World War, and labored tirelessly under considerable hardships to improve the conditions for soldiers. Otherwise robust and healthy, it was only through great self-denial and overwork that Horsley suddenly succumbed to the burning heat of Mesopotamia. He died as he lived—a fearless and painstaking fighter for the common man. His was a most beautiful life of unselfish devotion to others

A touch of divinity: The example of Reverend William Arthur Johnson (1816-1880)

Except if it be in the shadow of his worshipful student William Osler (1849-1919), the life of Reverend William Arthur Johnson (1816-1880), a 19th century English-Canadian clerical naturalist, teacher, and early mentor to 'the Father of Modern Medicine', has escaped special scrutiny over the years. Written in commemoration of his 200th birthday, this recollection will aim to more purposefully categorise what is currently known of Johnson's life and work, not only in his important relations to the revered Osler, but also in the context of his own personal achievements, life story, and legacy

Hidradenitis suppurativa in Down’s syndrome: A case report

Of the many dermatological conditions thought to be linked with Down’s syndrome, hidradenitis suppurativa presents a peculiar manifestation. This brief case report summarises the clinical features and possible genetic basis for this fascinating association

The Paget bicentenary: an Australian perspective

The year 2014 marks the bicentenary of the birth of Sir James Paget (1814-1899), the celebrated English surgeon and pathologist. Although best known for his work on bone and breast disease, Paget also played an important role in the institution of Australia's first medical school. In this article, that involvement and Paget's other antipodean influences are summarised. The naming of Paget's disease of the bone is also discussed