ABSTRACT
Although James Parkinson may be best remembered in the medical profession for his Essay on the Shaking Palsy (1817) describing cases of paralysis agitans, he was also a prolic and respected writer in other elds such as politics, social reform, mental health, chemistry, and geology. His writings demonstrate his keen sense of observation, breadth of knowledge, and devotion to humanity. This introductory chapter explores the background of James Parkinson, his medical training, his writings on diverse subjects, and, lastly, the contributions of his Essay on the Shaking Palsy.
