nPosted on April 11, 2020
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Key points
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nToday’s famous birthday – born in London on this date in 1755 – was a geologist, paleontologist, surgeon (doctor), apothecary, writer, and political activist.
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nIn his many political pamphlets, he went to bat for social reforms like universal suffrage (letting everyone, men/women, people of all races and ethnicities, vote!). But that’s not what he’s best known for.
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He wrote about ruptured appendix – some of the earliest descriptions of this medical problem. But that’s not what he’s best known for.
He wrote about ruptured appendix – some of the earliest descriptions of this medical problem. But that’s not what he’s best known for.n
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nHe crusaded for the rights of the mentally ill. But that’s not what he’s best known for.
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He collected specimens of fossils and led parties of fossil collectors, and attended the very first meeting of the Geological Society of London. But that’s not what he’s best known for.
He collected specimens of fossils and led parties of fossil collectors, and attended the very first meeting of the Geological Society of London. But that’s not what he’s best known for.n
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nHe wrote about paralysis agitans, or shaking palsy; his careful observations led to some ideas about possible causes.
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nAnd THAT’s what he is known for, because the condition he described has been named for him: Parkinson’s disease.
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| Boxer Muhammed Ali and actor Michael J. Fox are two people who suffered (Ali) and still suffer (Fox) from Parkinson’s…and took the time to educate others about the disease and to advocate for victims of the disease. |
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nAlso on this date:
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nAnniversary of Fair Housing Act
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nAnniversary of a Billiards Blitz
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nBarbershop Quartet Day
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nLouie, Louie Day
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nNational Pet Day
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nJuan Santamaria Day in Costa Rica
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nScientist and inventor Percy Julian’s birthday
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nBirthday of writer and activist Jyotirao Phule
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nnAnniversary of the opening and reopening of Concertgebouw
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nPlan ahead:
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Check out my Pinterest boards for:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
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nApril holidays
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nApril birthdays
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nAnd here are my Pinterest boards for:
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nMay holidays
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nMay birthdays
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nHistorical anniversaries in May
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