SCIENTIST'S SACRIFICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23827, 30 November 1940, Page 2 (Supplement)

SCIENTIST'S SACRIFICE

Killed by the Disease He Fought

QUI HENRY HEAD, one of the world's greatest neurologists, devoted most of his life to finding out more about paralysis. He risked getting the disease by experimenting on himself, states the Daily Herald, London.

He"even cut the nerves of his legs, and arm, near the elbow, to study "deep sensibility," and recorded his reactions day by day. Eventually he fell a victim to Parkinson's disease, the form of paralysis which had occupied most of his studies. A few weeks ago his death, fit the age of 79, was announced. Own Arm Cut

Cutting through the nerves of his left arm 151 years ago led to the development of new forms of surgery in the treatment of nervous diseases. Specialists learned Trom this experiment how messages are transmitted from the nerves to the brain. Nobody knew more than Sir Henry about Parkinson's disease, which is

also known as trembling palsy. Trembling movements in certain parts tend to become widely diffused throughout the body. Sir Henry became afflicted years ago. With the development of the disease he became a cripple. As lie gradually lost the use of his hands. Lady Head undertook all his correspondence, and she handled his reference .books for him until her death just over a year ago.