Hyphenated history: Erb-Duchenne brachial plexus palsy

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2008 Jul;37(7):356-8.

Abstract

Throughout history, the discoveries of their predecessors have led physicians to revolutionary advances in the understanding and practice of medicine. The result is a plethora of hyphenated eponyms paying tribute to individuals connected through time by a common interest. The history of Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne, the "father of electrotherapy and electrodiagnosis," and Wilhelm Heinrich Erb, the "father of neurology," offers insight into the personal and professional lives of these astute clinicians and their collaborative medical breakthrough in the area of neurologic paralysis affecting the upper limbs.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / history*
  • Eponyms*
  • France
  • Germany
  • History, 19th Century
  • Humans
  • Portraits as Topic

Personal name as subject

  • Wilhelm Heinrich Erb
  • Guillaume Duchenne de Boulogne