The first career of William Alexander Hammond*

Presented at the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Washington DC, May 3,1994. Address correspondence to: Frank R. Freemon, M.D., Ph.D., 2422 Valley Brook Road, Nashville, TN 37215, USA.

Abstract

Neurology in its modern sense was first studied in the well‐known neurological institutions of France and England. In America, however, this new field of medicine was developed by a physician in a private practice, Dr. William Alexander Hammond. This article addresses the question how Hammond was able to limit his practice to neurology. It is argued that Hammond was a famous military physician before becoming the first practitioner of clinical neurology in America. This fame translated into a large referral base.

Keywords:

• William A. Hammond
• American Civil War
• military medicine
• clinical neuropsychology

Notes

Presented at the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology, Washington DC, May 3,1994. Address correspondence to: Frank R. Freemon, M.D., Ph.D., 2422 Valley Brook Road, Nashville, TN 37215, USA.