ABSTRACT
There are several comprehensive historical accounts of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (1-4). Rather than recapitulate these, I have written a chronological ‘‘Who’s Who’’ in ALS, giving brief biographies of those whose names are linked with the disorder or who have made substantial contributions to the understanding of ALS. As medical science progresses, breakthroughs are made at an even more rapid rate. The importance of recent discoveries, including the identification of genetic mutations underlying some familial forms of ALS and the subsequent advent of the transgenic mouse model, is considerable. This chapter is a historical accounting, however, and in order that none should be offended, I have not included contemporary contributions or biographies of living people. Below is a chronological listing of ‘‘Who is Who in ALS,’’ illustrating the stories of those, now deceased, who contributed greatly to the way we view ALS.
