Alfred Parsons on suspected perforated gastric ulcer. 1892

Alfred Parsons (1864-1952) was noted for his vigour of mind and body and Spartan habits and his dramatic teaching. In 1891 while a junior doctor he cared for three fatal cases of acute perforation of a chronic ulcer of the stomach. In May 1892 he made a passionate plea for early diagnosis and surgery in this condition. The first successful operation was performed in the same month by Ludwig Heusner in Germany.