Fulgence Raymond (1844–1910), regrettably forgotten successor of Jean-Martin Charcot

Abstract

Fulgence Raymond (1844–1910) succeeded Jean-Martin Charcot (1825–1893) to the Chair of Nervous System Diseases. As famous as Charcot remains, Raymond has been forgotten. After a brief biographical account, we will present a few examples of his work still relevant today: hemichorea, Raymond-Cestan syndrome, hereditary spastic paraplegia and acute ascendant paralysis. In each case, his accurate clinical and anatomopathological descriptions are accompanied by aetiological hypotheses that are remarkably prescient with regard to current knowledge. Strongly committed to teaching, he published most of his lessons every year. They remain highly relevant historically, and sometimes for other reasons, as we shall see. We hope to show that Raymond does not deserve to be forgotten.