The lives and works of John Cheyne (1777–1836) and William Stokes (1804–1878)

Abstract

Cheyne-Stokes respiration – an abnormal pattern of breathing, oscillating between hyperventilation and apnoea – was first described in the 19th century by Dr John Cheyne and Dr William Stokes. Although primarily known for this condition, both men contributed a lot more to the understanding and practice of medicine than this eponym.