Willan
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Robert Willan (1757-1812) was an English physician considered the founder of modern dermatology for creating the first classification of skin diseases based on anatomical and pathological principles. He identified eight primary skin changes and made significant contributions to understanding conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and scabies.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
WILLAN, Robert (1757-1812; more correctly Willan), famous English physician, rightly called the 'founder' of modern dermatology, as he was the first, along with Plen, who created his classification of skin lesions from the chaos of ideas and terms, built on an anatomical-pathological principle. W. reduced all diagnostic signs to 8 initial changes of the skin: 1) exanthems, 2) vesicles, 3) blisters, 4) pustules, 5) papules, 6) nodules, 7) scales and 8) spots. W. separated psoriasis from the group of other 'scaly' lesions, pityriasis versicolor from 'pigment' diseases of the skin; divided purpura into 'simple' and 'hemorrhagic'; gave an original description of eczema, prurigo, ichthyosis, etc. The name of W. and his student Bateman is associated with the first description of 'contagious molluscum'. A complete summary of the views and works of Willan is presented by his students in 'Practical synopsis of cutaneous diseases according to the arrangement of Dr. Willan'. London, 1815.
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“Willan.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/willan/