[Correct spelling of Prosper Menière's name and some comments on his life and work]

How to spell the name of Menière correctly is documented in his original publications. He wrote his name without the frequently seen accent aigu on the first "e" but with an accent grave on the second. Furthermore some details from his life are reported which are not only of interest from the medical-historical point of view: He inspired Honoré de Balzac in creating the character of Docteur Bianchon in the "Comédie humaine". Menière himself reports in his "Journal de Blayes" about his medical and diplomatic mission as the Duchesse de Berry's doctor when she was imprisoned in the Fortresse de Blayes.