James Parkinson

James Parkinson (pronounced: jaymz park-in-suhn) was a British physician, geologist, paleontologist, and political activist. He is most famous for his 1817 work, "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy," in which he was the first to describe "paralysis agitans," a condition that would later be renamed Parkinson's disease by Jean-Martin Charcot.

Etymology

The name "James Parkinson" is of English origin. "James" is derived from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows." "Parkinson" is a patronymic surname meaning "son of Parkin." The term "Parkinson's disease" was coined by Jean-Martin Charcot in the late 19th century to honor Parkinson's work in identifying the condition.

Related Terms

Parkinson's disease: A long-term degenerative disorder of the nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. The symptoms generally come on slowly over time, and early in the disease, the most obvious symptoms are shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking.

An Essay on the Shaking Palsy: A work published by James Parkinson in 1817 that was the first to describe "paralysis agitans," later renamed Parkinson's disease.

Jean-Martin Charcot: A French neurologist and professor of anatomical pathology who is best known for his work on hypnosis and hysteria, and for naming Parkinson's disease.

Paleontology: The scientific study of the history of life on Earth through the examination of plant and animal fossils.

Geology: The science that deals with the earth's physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it.

Political activism: The practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals, sometimes by demonstrations, protests, etc.