Jackson, Todd, and the concept of "discharge" in epilepsy.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the historical origins of the modern concept of electrical discharges in the brain in epilepsy.


METHODS
I have examined the writings of Hughlings Jackson (1835-1911) and Robert Bentley Todd (1809-1860), especially their Lumleian Lectures on convulsive disorders to the Royal College of Physicians of 1890 and 1849, respectively; and also the influence of Herbert Spencer (1820-1903) on the former and Michael Faraday (1791-1867) on the latter.


CONCLUSIONS
Contrary to the widely taught view that Jackson was the first to propose electrical discharges in epilepsy it is clear that the discharges suggested by Jackson, influenced by the evolutionary philosopher, Herbert Spencer, were chemical, based on katabolism and anabolism. Jackson had no understanding or proposal based on physics or electricity. On the other hand, Todd had earlier proposed and described electrical concepts of discharges in epilepsy, influenced by his contemporary and colleague in London, Michael Faraday, who at the time was laying the foundations of our modern understanding of electricity and magnetism. Todd and Faraday saw "nervous polarity" as another polar force interchangeable with the polar forces of electricity and magnetism.
Reynolds
Edward H
EH
Institute of Epileptology, Weston Education Centre, King's College, Denmark Hill Campus, Cutcombe Road, London, United Kingdom. reynolds@buckles.u-net.com
D004560:Electricity / Q000266:history; D004594:Electrophysiology / Q000266:history; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D008131:London; D008280:Magnetics / Q000266:history