Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis may be a relatively modern disease, for there is no good archaeological evidence for its existence in ancient times (Caughey, 1974). Diseases which are recognised as rheumatic in type have been described since 500 BC. The term ‘rheumatism’ is said to have been used by Galen and Dioscorides in the first century AD. In 1857 Robert Adams in Dublin coined the term ‘chronic rheumatic arthritis’ and accurately illustrated the surgical pathology of the common manifestations of chronic joint disease. Sir Alfred Baring Garrod first proposed the term ‘rheumatoid arthritis’ in 1858. Currently, about 2 per cent of the population (in the western hemisphere) are affected by the disease and it affects three times as many women as men (see p. 217).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
