Douglas Argyll Robertson (1837‐1909) – what did he do other than describe the Argyll Robertson Pupil?

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To study medical achievements of Douglas Argyll Robertson in ophthalmology. Methods The data dealt with in this paper is analysed both from the historical and present‐day perspectives. Results Douglas Argyll Robertson (1837‐1909) was the first surgeon in Scotland to practice entirely in the field of ophthalmology. In this he was no doubt encouraged by the memory of his father, John Argyll Robertson, who was one of the founders of the Edinburgh Eye Dipensary but who had died when his son was only 18 years of age. Douglas completed his medical education under von Arlt in Prague and Albrecht von Graefe in Berlin. Argyll Robertson made major contributions to ophthalmic surgery. He introduced extracts of Calabar bean (Physostigma venenosum), in the treatment of glaucoma. He also described in cases of spinal cord disease that there may be loss of the light reflex of the pupil but retention of its movement in accommodation. This condition was named the "Argyll Robertson pupil" and as a clinical sign is almost always indicative of neurosyphilis. His other contributions include: lupus of the eyelid, aetiology of glaucoma, melanotic tumor, diphtheritic ophthalmia, sympathetic ophthalmia, retinitis pigmentosa, hypertrophy of the lacrimal gland, senile entropion, hydrophthalmos, asteroid hyalitis, pulsating exophthalmos, conjunctival filiariasis, albuminuric retinitis, miner’s nystagmus and microphthalmos. Argyll Robertson is also credited with being the first to recommend trephining the sclera in those cases of glaucoma where extensive degenerative changes in the iris made an iridectomy impracticable. Conclusion As we approach the centenary of his death Argyll Robertson deserves to be celebrated for more than his pupil.