Samuel Goldflam

Abstract

Samuel Goldflam was an eminent physician and social activist, an internationally recognised neurologist and internist, one of the pillars of Polish neurology who made a great contribution to the development of neurological semiology. Goldflam's name is related to many symptoms and diseases, both in internal medicine and in neurology. It is encountered in present-day textbooks and routinely entered in the context of kidney percussion in patients' medical records.

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

“…In Paris, he met with Jean-Martin Charcot (1825–1893), founder of the world’s first formal department of neurology and the first professor in the specialty, and Babinski at the Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, at that time the foremost centre for neurology. 3,7…”

“…From his clinical observations, he assembled vast knowledge and recorded the condition of osteoarthropathia dysalimentaria that manifests with bone lesions in malnourished patients. 3,7,14…”

“…Goldflam studied in the University of Warsaw whereas, Flatau, who was younger, had to travel to Moscow University to fulfil his education. 2,3 Babinski’s parents were insurrectionists and, after a failed revolt, emigrated from Russian-controlled Poland to Paris where Babinski received his training. 4 They all became revered neurologists and, throughout their careers, they encountered barriers preventing them from being promoted to academic positions and, in the case of Goldflam, being affiliated with a department.…”

Samuel Goldflam (1852–1932)

“…After graduating from secondary school (gymnasium), he studied between 1870 and 1875 at the Medical Faculty of the Imperial University of Warsaw [1, 8]. In 1875, he received his medical degree and started work at the Holy Spirit Hospital in the clinic for internal diseases of Prof. Vilém Dušan Lambl (1824–1895).…”

“…In 1875, he received his medical degree and started work at the Holy Spirit Hospital in the clinic for internal diseases of Prof. Vilém Dušan Lambl (1824–1895). From 1876, he worked as an assistant at the Therapeutic Clinic for internal diseases of the Imperial University of Warsaw [1, 8]. In 1878, Goldflam became head of the department in Lambl’s clinic.…”