Charcot and Duchenne: of mentors, pupils, and colleagues.

Abstract

In the history of medicine, there have been notable mentors, famous pupils, and celebrated colleagues. Seldom, however, have two renowned physicians simultaneously been mentors, pupils, and colleagues to each other, as was the case with Jean-Martin Charcot (Fig. 1) and Guillaume Benjamin Amand Duchenne (Fig. 2). Notwithstanding a 19-year difference in age and the fact that each was a well-published neurological scientist in his own right, these investigators developed a multifaceted relationship which served to reciprocally foster their separate vocations, enhance their mutual endeavors, and enrich the field of neurology. This study examines the teaching, learning, and scientific sharing that uniquely marked the careers of Charcot and Duchenne.