Historical Vignettes

In the early 20th century, medicine was making rapid strides. The microscope had unveiled hidden worlds, and physicians were beginning to unlock mysteries of previously baffling illnesses.

Fragile X Syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, is now a well-recognized condition. However, its discovery and understanding were long journeys marked by scientific curiosity, serendipity, and technological advancements. 

Friedrich Horner, a Swiss ophthalmologist born in Zurich in 1831, left an indelible mark on medical science through his meticulous work on oculosympathetic lesions.

Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne (September 17, 1806 – September 15, 1875) stands as one of the towering figures in the history of neurology, credited with groundbreaking advancements in electrophysiology and diagnostics.

Rett syndrome, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder predominantly affecting females, is characterized by profound physical and cognitive impairments. It was first described in 1966 by Dr. Andreas Rett, an Austrian pediatrician whose tireless work has since catalyzed a deeper understanding of the condition. 

The first hemispherectomy for epilepsy, performed by Dr. Kenneth G. McKenzie in 1938, marked a groundbreaking moment in neurosurgery and epilepsy treatment.

In 1881, British ophthalmologist Warren Tay published his groundbreaking observation of a cherry-red spot on the retina of a child suffering from a neurological disorder.