Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-1893): A Treatment Approach Gone Astray?

Abstract

Jean-Martin Charcot's reputation remains that of a physician who took little interest in treatments for the neurological diseases he did much to identify. After reviewing the limited number of medicinal remedies of slight effectiveness at Charcot's disposal, we analyze in this review the numerous therapeutic tests that he conducted: vibratory medicine for Parkinson's disease, treatment of tabes by suspension technique, metallotherapy and moral -treatment for hysteria. Understanding that he fully and completely adhered to the far-reaching heredity-based theories of his day makes it possible to perceive his natural and fundamental pessimism. By drawing on both -ancestral traditions and innovative approaches, Charcot "combined genius with charlatanism" in a surprising way: he demonstrated genius in the area of nosology, and a sort of charlatanism in the area of treatments.