Introduction: The History of a Recalcitrant Disease

Abstract

Mary Benbow was 50 years old when she was admitted to Guy’s Hospital in London on 19 August 1841, under the care of Dr Richard Bright, one of the city’s leading consultants, and his assistant physician Dr Henry Marshall Hughes, who was known both for his eccentric dress sense and his interest in chest conditions.¹ Hughes recorded Mrs Benbow’s case for the Guy’s Hospital Reports, and what we know about the final months of her life, we know from his report.²