George Huntington facts for kids
George Huntington (born April 9, 1850 – died March 3, 1916) was an American doctor. He is famous for clearly describing a disease now called Huntington's disease. He wrote about this condition in one of only two scientific papers he ever published. He was just 22 years old when he wrote it. This was a year after he finished medical school at Columbia University in New York.
He first shared his paper on February 15, 1872, in Middleport, Ohio. It was then printed in a medical newspaper on April 13, 1872. George Huntington's father and grandfather were also doctors. They worked in the same family practice. Their many years of observations, along with George's own, helped him describe this inherited disease very well. He saw it in many generations of a family in East Hampton, Long Island.
In 1908, a famous doctor named William Osler said about Huntington's paper: "Few times in medical history has a disease been described so accurately, clearly, or briefly." In 1874, George Huntington moved back to Dutchess County, New York. He practiced medicine there and worked at the Matteawan General Hospital.
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Early Life and Family Doctors
George Huntington came from a family of doctors. His father, George Lee Huntington, and his grandfather, Abel Huntington, were both physicians. Their family had lived on Long Island since 1797. In that year, his grandfather, Dr. Abel Huntington, started his general medical practice in East Hampton.
George's father, George Lee Huntington, was born in East Hampton in 1811. He studied medicine at New York University. Then he spent his life working in his father's practice. George Huntington was born on April 9, 1850, in East Hampton. He was the third doctor in his family. From a young age, George learned about his father's work. He often went with him on his visits to patients.
Discovering a Mysterious Disease
In 1871, George Huntington earned his medical license from Columbia University in New York. He was 21 years old. After graduating, he returned to Long Island. There, he worked with his father for a while. During this time, he saw more cases of a strange, inherited movement disorder. He had first seen these cases with his grandfather and father.
In 1909, Huntington spoke to the Neurological Society of New York. He shared how he first saw the disease:
"Over fifty years ago, riding with my father, I saw my first cases of 'the disorder.' This is what local people called the dreaded disease. I remember it clearly. It made a lasting impression on my young mind. This impression was the first reason I chose to write about chorea."
He continued:
"Driving with my father, we suddenly saw two women, a mother and daughter. Both were bowing, twisting, and making faces. I stared in wonder, almost in fear. My father spoke with them, and we moved on. Then my medical learning began. My interest in the disease has never stopped."
George Huntington used his father's and grandfather's notes on the disease. He also diagnosed many cases himself. He likely wrote his famous paper about this disease during this time.
Describing Huntington's Disease
On February 15, 1872, George Huntington gave his important presentation on chorea. He spoke to the Meigs and Mason Academy of Medicine in Middleport, Ohio. He was only 22. His talk was well-received. So, he sent his paper to the Medical and Surgical Reporter in Philadelphia. It was published on April 13, 1872.
In his paper, he described the disease to other doctors. He pointed out three key features:
- It was a hereditary disease: If a parent had the disease, their children would almost always get it if they lived to adulthood.
- The illness appeared in adulthood and got worse with age.
- It never skipped a generation. If a generation did not have it, it would not appear in later generations.
A summary of his work was published in Germany in 1872. Soon, doctors in Europe started using the name "Huntington's chorea." Today, people often say Huntington's disease instead of Huntington's chorea. But the original name is still well-known.
In 1908, Dr. William Osler praised Huntington's paper. He said it was one of the most accurate and clear descriptions of a disease ever written.
Later Life and Legacy
In 1874, George Huntington moved to New York. Except for two years in North Carolina, he spent the rest of his life practicing medicine in Dutchess County. He retired in 1915.
Huntington married Mary Elizabeth on October 6, 1874. He was a humble and funny man. He loved hunting, fishing, drawing wildlife, and playing the flute. He was a kind and careful doctor. His patients loved him very much. He had a happy family life with five sons. He also loved music and often played the flute with his wife. He was also very interested in nature and pistols. Drawing was a lifelong hobby. He often drew game birds during his trips in the forest.
George Huntington lived a full life. His sharp observations and ideas earned him a special place in medical history. He practiced medicine until he was 64 years old. He often suffered from asthma attacks. George Huntington died from pneumonia on March 3, 1916. He was 65 years old. He passed away at his son's house in Cairo, New York. His son was also a doctor.
Images for kids
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George Huntington's paper
See also
In Spanish: George Huntington para niños
