HALL (Marshall, 1790-1857, Physician and Neurologist)

Autograph Letter Signed to Dr PAGET, (later Sir) George Edward PAGET, (1809-1892, of Gonville & Caius, Cambridge, from 1872 Regius Professor of Physic), saying that "on Feb. 1 D.v. I leave London & England in the hope of enjoying repose & recreation. We expect Marshall", their son (b. 1831, later a barrister but more interested in science), "from the United States & shall probably take him to visit Greece Egypt & Palestine", he then "may possibly return to his studies at Cambridge" depending "on his own choice", his is writing "one line of renewed & warm thanks ... for many many acts of kindness never to be forgotten", he sends "a Study [not present] & an Extract in which I say a word relative to my successor ... wishing you both many happy years ... Yours most sincerely and obliged ...", 4 sides 8vo, no place, no date, circa

Marshall Hall invented and developed the concept of the reflex action and explored its physiological basis. Although an F.R.S., important papers by him were rejected by the Society for publication, his innovative ideas displacing the traditional reliance on anatomy alone. In earlier days at Edinburgh he had made detailed studies of bedside visits, which led to his book On Diagnosis (1817) and careful experiment and observation characterized his whole life.

Item Date:  1855

Stock No:  56384