Edward Henry Sieveking and the demise of essential epilepsy

Edward Henry Sieveking, eminent London physician of Victorian times, is best known as the speaker at the historic meeting at which the chairman, Sir Charles Locock, seem to overshadow him in announcing the introduction of bromide – the first effective anti-convulsant. But in fact Sieveking had announced a most important conceptual advance in epileptology – the demise of “essential epilepsy”. In addition his book, published soon after and based upon his lecture, is an important historical resumé of Victorian era concepts and management of epilepsy. His important contributions to the understanding and management of this condition are discussed herein.