William Richard Gowers 1845-1915


Book Description

Sir William Richard Gowers was one of the pre-eminent clinical neurologists of the nineteenth century. Co-authored by one of Dr Gowers' descendents and two leading neurologists, this book is the definitive reference work on the life of one of the founding fathers of neurology.




William Richard Gowers 1845-1915


Book Description

Sir William Richard Gowers was one of the pre-eminent clinical neurologists of the nineteenth century. He is best remembered for his discovery of the eponymous 'Gowers' sign', for his invention of the patella hammer, and for authoring the classic two-volume neurology textbook Manual of Diseases of the Nervous System. To date Dr Gowers has been the subject of only one published biography, while some aspects of Gowers' work have been chronicled in historical works regarding the history of neurology. This book goes into greater detail than ever, presenting the life story behind a great Victorian brain. Generously illustrated throughout with family photographs and original sketches, the authors cover Gowers' early years, his clinical work at Queen Square, his accolades, and friendships with explorers and famous authors. Co-authored by an academic with special access to the Gowers family archives and two leading neurologists, this book is the first definitive reference work on the life of William Richard Gowers, and will be of great interest to neurologists, neuroscientists, medical historians, and laypersons with an interest in neurology and mental illness.







The Causes of Epilepsy


Book Description

Expanded and revised, this unique book provides concise descriptions of the many causes of epilepsy, for use in clinical practice.




Ernest Gowers


Book Description

During his long career as a British civil servant Ernest Gowers was close to the centre of many of the momentous events of the first half of the twentieth century. However, he only became famous in 1948 when Plain Words, originally written as a training pamphlet for the British Civil Service, became an instant best-seller for HMSO. Ann Scott has had access to Gowers' family archives. Using these and other previously untapped primary sources she builds a portrait of the career of one member of a cohort of high-flying civil servants who began their careers at the turn of the century. Gowers' final task as a civil servant was to run London's civil defence during WW2. Because of the wealth of original material available, two chapters are devoted to the way in which civil defence was planned and the many challenges he had to face, using his own words and those of his colleagues. Described as Britain's 'No 1 Chairman' he chaired many inquiries after the war. The Royal Commission into Capital Punishment had a profound effect on him, turning him into a convinced and influential abolitionist. At the age of 75 he began the task that engaged him for the final ten years of his life: revising Fowler's Modern English Usage.







MIMICS of Epileptic Seizures


Book Description

Epilepsy is a common condition where sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain cause seizures or fits. There are lots of possible symptoms of epileptic seizures, including uncontrollable shaking or loss of awareness of surroundings. There are many other disorders with symptoms that mimic those of epilepsy, thus accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. This book is a comprehensive guide to the diagnosis of disorders that may mimic epilepsy. Divided into 22 sections, each chapter covers a different epilepsy imitator presented as an analytical discourse. A number of case studies are also included. The book concludes with discussion on the use of EEG (a test that detects electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to the scalp) and its potential pitfalls. Also included, is a chapter dedicated to Sir William Gowers, a British neurologist at the forefront of the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders (1845-1915). The text is further enhanced by clinical images and figures. Key points Comprehensive guide to diagnosis of MIMICS of epilepsy Covers many different imitators presented as analytical discourse Includes discussion on use and potential pitfalls of diagnostic EEG Features clinical images and figures as well as a selection of case studies










History of British Neurology


Book Description

HISTORY OF BRITISH NEUROLOGY by F Clifford Rose (Imperial College School of Medicine, UK) Diseases of the nervous system are a relatively small but vitally important part of medicine. There was no scientific basis for diagnosis or treatment until the seventeenth century when Dr Thomas Willis (16211675) and his team tackled anatomy by dissection of the nervous system, physiology by animal experiments and pathology by post-mortem analysis. It was Willis who first used the word "neurology" and his team, who were among the founders of the Royal Society, included Christopher Wren who, besides being famous as an architect of London's churches, drew the first modern diagram of the human brain. Developments in our knowledge of the nervous system in the following centuries, and the unique importance of clinical neurology, became globally recognised through the work of Whytt, Heberden, Hughlings Jackson, Gowers and many others. The work and discoveries of these eminent specialists were extended with the introduction of such neurosciences as neurophysiology, neuropathology and neuro-radiology, and this is the first comprehensive account of a battle with the unknown by determined practitioners.