Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 840.2

NICHOLAS ROBINSON (1697?-1775) A New system of the spleen, vapors, and hypochondriack melancholy : wherein all the decays of the nerves, and lownesses of the spirits, are mechanically accounted for. To which is subjoined a discourse upon the nature, cause, and cure, of melancholy, madness, and lunacy ... Printed for A Bettesworth, W. Innys and C. Rivington 1729 1st xvi, 408 pages 20 cm

For more information on this author or work, see number: 840.3

Robinson was one of the first to argue that nerve fibers could control behavior, and that their pathological laxity led to one of the primary causes of melancholy. While he was a bit far off on the last, he was on target in arguing that insanity was a genuine malady and should be recognized as such.

See Related Record(s): 840.3

Cited references: NLM 18th (pg. 384); Osler 3817; Wellcome IV (pg. 541)