ABSTRACT
At the end of the 18th century a most important addition to our therapeutic resources occurred with the demonstration of the efficiency of digitalis in certain cases of
dropsy
. The drug had been used for different purposes long before, but its specific action was proved by
William Withering
,
“the flower of English physicians”
(Figure 76), as he was spoken of at his death bed. Withering (1741-1799) was born in Wellington, England. He studied medicine in Edinburgh and graduated there in 1766 with a paper “Malignant Putrid Sore Throat.” He then worked for some years in Stafford as a physician at the infirmary for the poor. From 1775, he was in Birmingham, attached to the staff of the general hospital. He was also much appreciated as a consultant. In 1786, he moved to Edgbaston outside Birmingham.
