MS Through History
Walter Russell Brain (1895-1966)
Another major figure in the history of MS was Walter Russell Brain. His contribution to our knowledge and understanding began with his publication of a major review of 'disseminating sclerosis' in 1930, over sixty years after Charcot's work. Brain went on to produce a textbook entitled Diseases of the Nervous System which contained a section on MS. The textbook was first published in 1933 and then regularly revised by Brain himself until his death in 1966.
Brain was the first to collect statistical data concerning the incidence and course of MS. He also gave lucid accounts of the underlying pathology, so accurate that they still stand almost unchanged today. Developments in treatment for MS can be followed from the clinical narratives in each edition.
Brain's acclaimed books have played an important role guiding neurological study throughout the 20th century. His comprehension of MS was extremely precise and many of the opinions and predictions expressed in his earlier work have since been proved correct.
