Tag: EInar Perman
-
The two nightingales
Inga LewenhauptEinar PermanStockholm, Sweden Two remarkable women were born in the same year two centuries ago: Jenny Lind (1820-1887) and Florence Nightingale (1820-1910). Both became world famous, Jenny Lind for her beautiful singing voice, Florence Nightingale for her pioneer work in nursing. Both were deeply religious and wanted to make the world a better place,…
-
The men who standardized temperature measurements
Einar PermanStockholm, Sweden In the world of medical science the names of people are often associated with the diseases they described (Crohn, Alzheimer, Dupuytren) or the procedures they introduced or pioneered (Heimlich, Valsalva, Romberg). Ranking high among such innovators are those who standardized temperature measurements. They remain household words, as shown by a Google search…
-
The basilisk—A cause of sudden death
Anna LantzEinar PermanStockholm, Sweden Mythical creatures have been described and feared since ancient times. The group is large. It includes dragons, sirens, basilisks, centaurs, phoenixes, sea monsters, and several more. These mythical creatures may have been invented to provide explanations for events for which there were no natural explanations, such as when persons died without…
-
Doctor Moore on 18th century medicine
Einar PermanStockholm, Sweden John Moore (1729-1802) was a Scottish physician, who traveled extensively in Europe and published several books about his travels.1,2 He was also an astute observer of people, customs, and places, and his opinions were often ahead of his time, particularly in matters of contemporary medicine and the medical profession. His book, Medical…
-
Samuel Tissot: Patient compliance in the 18th century
Einar PermanStockholm, Sweden Young physicians are told that the doctor should treat the patient, not the disease. This is sound advice, but knowing the patient is often not easy. Even more challenging is the task of having the patient follow medical advice and comply with instructions. I have treated many well-educated patients and have always…
-
Carl Linnaeus – Botanist and physician
Einar PermanStockholm, Sweden Carl Linnaeus, the famous botanist and father of modern plant nomenclature, was also a physician. Born in 1707 in a rural village in Southern Sweden, he had developed at an early age an interest in flowers and plants. His father was a priest and would have liked his son to also join…
-
A royal pregnancy gone wrong
George DuneaChicago, IL Perhaps one of the most famous pregnancies gone wrong was that of Princess Charlotte, the granddaughter of King George III and in line to someday succeed to the throne of England. Brought up in a royal household wreaked by dissension, she grew up rebellious, capricious, and ill-mannered, but settled down after her…
-
John Moore M.D.: Physician, travel writer, and social commentator
Einar PermanStockholm, Sweden Many years ago I read a book entitled A View of Society and Manners in France, Switzerland and Germany. It was published anonymously “by a gentleman” and printed in London in 1779. The title promised impressions from major European countries during a turbulent period. I was not disappointed. It was a superb…
-
Doctor Moore in Italy
Einar Perman Stockholm, Sweden In a recent issue of Hektoen International, I wrote about Doctor John Moore’s travels in Europe.1 Moore, a practicing physician in Glasgow with a good reputation, was offered an opportunity to travel. Like other prominent noblemen of his day, the young Duke of Hamilton was to make the Grand Tour as a…