title: Mary Broadfoot Walker (1888-1974): a historic discovery in myasthenia gravis.
abstract: As a clinical entity, myasthenia gravis was not recognized until Samuel Wilks in 1877 described bulbar and peripheral muscular weakness. In the Lancet of June 2, 1934, the remarkable discovery of physostigmine treatment by Dr. Mary Walker was published, which was to become the mainstay of symptomatic treatment. A quiet and modest physician, she laboured with considerable success under many obstacles in her work and career.
authors.affiliation: Emeritus Consultant Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Hull, UK.
authors.forename: J M S
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pearce
mesh_terms: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000266:history*; D010820:Physicians / Q000266:history; D010830:Physostigmine / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D002800:Cholinesterase Inhibitors; D010830:Physostigmine