Silas Weir Mitchell (1829–1914) was an American physician, scientist, novelist, and poet. Considered the father of medical neurology, he discovered causalgia (complex regional pain syndrome) and erythromelalgia.
Born in Philadelphia, Mitchell studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Medical College (now part of Thomas Jefferson University.) After a year in Paris specializing in neurology, he served as a surgeon in the Union army in the Civil War. He also initiated the rest cure (also called “bed rest,”) a remedial treatment wherein a person lies in bed for most of the time to try to cure sickness. After the war, he specialized in nervous diseases and was a pioneer in applying psychology to medicine.
In addition to poems, Mitchell published numerous novels of psychology and historical romance, including Roland Blake (1886,) Hugh Wynne (1898,) The Adventures of François (1898,) and Circumstance (1901.) He also wrote medical texts, including Injuries of Nerves (1872) and Fat and Blood (1877.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Silas Weir Mitchell
Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man far better than through mortal friends.
—Silas Weir Mitchell
Topics: Reading, Books
The first thing to be done by a biographer in estimating character is to examine the stubs of his victim’s check-books.
—Silas Weir Mitchell
Topics: Legacy, Biography
It’s easier traveling the road of life when I don’t have so much to carry on my back.
—Silas Weir Mitchell
Topics: Worry
He alone has lost the art to live who cannot win new friends.
—Silas Weir Mitchell
Topics: Friendship
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