The History of Modern Epilepsy - (Contributions in Medical Studies) 5th Edition by Walter Friedlander (Hardcover)

About the Book

Although the history of epilepsy, one of the most common serious neurological disorders, can easily be traced back to ancient times, the modern understanding of the disease only began in the middle of the 19th century. This history of the first fifty years of modern epileptology reflects the thinking, accomplishments, and failures of physicians between 1865 and 1914. This epoch presented a very bleak clinical picture: diagnosis was difficult and often arbitrary; treatment was poor and, at times, worse than the disease; and patients, who were usually viewed as having a progressive dementing condition, were shunned by society.

Tradition, physicians' immaculate perceptions, their thinking in analogies, and the difficulty a doctor has in separating himself from his society are some of the important factors which led to a lack of clinical advancement during this time. Nevertheless, taking a longer view, a foundation was being established for understanding the physiology of the brain and how that might be related to epilepsy. This book should be of interest to any professional person concerned with or involved in exploring the neurophysiology of brain functions and its deviations, the care and treatment of patience with epilepsy, and the historical and social aspects of medicine.

Book Synopsis

Although the history of epilepsy, one of the most common serious neurological disorders, can easily be traced back to ancient times, the modern understanding of the disease only began in the middle of the 19th century. This history of the first fifty years of modern epileptology reflects the thinking, accomplishments, and failures of physicians between 1865 and 1914. This epoch presented a very bleak clinical picture: diagnosis was difficult and often arbitrary; treatment was poor and, at times, worse than the disease; and patients, who were usually viewed as having a progressive dementing condition, were shunned by society.

Tradition, physicians' immaculate perceptions, their thinking in analogies, and the difficulty a doctor has in separating himself from his society are some of the important factors which led to a lack of clinical advancement during this time. Nevertheless, taking a longer view, a foundation was being established for understanding the physiology of the brain and how that might be related to epilepsy. This book should be of interest to any professional person concerned with or involved in exploring the neurophysiology of brain functions and its deviations, the care and treatment of patience with epilepsy, and the historical and social aspects of medicine.

Review Quotes

.,."the audience for this volume likely will be neurologists with an interest in the history of their profession..."-Isis

.,."this is destined to be a classic. It belongs in research libraries as an invaluable tool for dedicated medical historians as well as epileptologists. Graduate students through professionals."-Choice

?...the audience for this volume likely will be neurologists with an interest in the history of their profession...?-Isis

?...this is destined to be a classic. It belongs in research libraries as an invaluable tool for dedicated medical historians as well as epileptologists. Graduate students through professionals.?-Choice

?[T]he attention to detail is praiseworthy....[A] worthwhile read for anyone interested in understanding the beginning of modern epileptology.?-Bull. Hist. Med.

?The History of Modern Epilepsy is easy and pleasant reading and will be of interest to all involved in the care and treatment of individuals with epliepsy.?-Journal of the American Medical Association

"ÝT¨he attention to detail is praiseworthy....ÝA¨ worthwhile read for anyone interested in understanding the beginning of modern epileptology."-Bull. Hist. Med.

..."the audience for this volume likely will be neurologists with an interest in the history of their profession..."-Isis

"[T]he attention to detail is praiseworthy....[A] worthwhile read for anyone interested in understanding the beginning of modern epileptology."-Bull. Hist. Med.

"The History of Modern Epilepsy is easy and pleasant reading and will be of interest to all involved in the care and treatment of individuals with epliepsy."-Journal of the American Medical Association

..."this is destined to be a classic. It belongs in research libraries as an invaluable tool for dedicated medical historians as well as epileptologists. Graduate students through professionals."-Choice

About the Author

WALTER J. FRIEDLANDER is Emeritus Professor of Preventive and Societal Medicine (Medical History) and of Internal Medicine (Neurology) at the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. He is the author over eighty articles and books on neurology, electroencephalography, medical ethics, and medical history. Dr. Friedlander is the recipient of the 1986 Nebraska Committee on the Humanities' Sower Award for contributions to the humanities in the state of Nebraska and the 1994 University of Nebraska Board of Regents' J.G. Elliot Award for contributions to the medical profession and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.