Episode 32. Epilepsy with Ian Bone – Author of Sacred Lives

In this episode I discuss the history of epilepsy and of its treatments with neurologist Ian Bone, Consultant Neurologist at the Institute of Neurological Sciences Glasgow between 1978 and 2006, and Honorary Professor of Clinical Neurology at the University of Glasgow. Since retiring, Ian has worked on behalf of the Medical Research Council, and held lecturing posts overseas in India, Nepal and the West Bank.

Ian traces the history of our understanding of epilepsy from Hippocratic and Galenic times, through the medieval and renaissance periods, to Victorian and modern times. He illustrates his arguments with vivid anecdotes of witchcraft, demonic possession, and exorcism, and with references to such historical figures as Pope Innocent VIII, and physicians such as William Gowers and John Hughlings Jackson.

Our discussion also covers th ...