Where was Joseph Babinski born?

Abstract

There is controversy in the neurological literature about where Joseph Babinski was born, including a myth propounded by various important authors that he was born in Lima, Peru. However, according to the most consistent biographical data, he was in fact born in Paris, France, and became a medical celebrity there and in Poland as well as around the world.

Edward Flatau (1868–1932), Samual Goldflam (1852–1932) and Józef Babinski (1857–1932): Polish pioneers in neurology

“…It was only in 1914 that he finally joined the Academy of Medicine. 4,8,17 Babinski recognised the importance of semiotics in neurology and published many monographs on reflexes in health and disease. In one of his revered papers 'on tendon and periosteal reflexes', he described and characterised abnormal reflexes.…”

“…He was given an Honouree Professorship from Vilnius University and became an honorary member of many scientific societies, three of which were Polish. 4,17 Babinski considered himself a French citizen and had close ties with his Polish heritage. He suffered from Parkinsonism during his final years, a condition that also afflicted his father, and on 29 October 1932, at the age of 74, he died and was buried in Montmorency at Champeaux Cemetery in the Babinski family sepulchre.…”

“…He suffered from Parkinsonism during his final years, a condition that also afflicted his father, and on 29 October 1932, at the age of 74, he died and was buried in Montmorency at Champeaux Cemetery in the Babinski family sepulchre. 4,17…”

“…He was given an Honouree Professorship from Vilnius University and became an honorary member of many scientific societies, three of which were Polish. 4,17…”