Part of the Reynolds-Finley Lecture Series, hosted by UAB Libraries Historical Collections

Delivered by Scott M. Jackson, MD, from Ozark Dermatology 

Doctrina de Morbis Cutaneis, which translates from the Latin to “Teachings on Diseases of the Skin,” was written by the Vienna-born polymath Joseph Jacob Plenck (1738-1807) and is one of the most significant texts in the history of dermatology. The work represents a milestone in the evolution of how skin disease was viewed by early modern physicians and surgeons. It contains the first scientific classification of skin diseases according to their appearance. After its publication, the study of skin disease was well on its way to becoming a modern discipline. The skin-focused physicians in the generation that followed the publication of this text—especially Robert Willan (1757-1812), who was widely considered the founder of the specialty of dermatology—built upon the knowledge contained within this foundational text.  We have translated it from Latin into English for the first time and I will present what we have learned about this fascinating text.  

Originally from New Orleans, Scott Jackson is a dermatologist in private practice, author, and blogger who lives and works in Bentonville, AR.  He was recently appointed adjunct faculty at the new Alice Walton School of Medicine in Bentonville.  A graduate of Tulane University ('98) with a major in history, Scott did his medical school training ('03) and residency in dermatology ('07) at LSUHSC School of Medicine in New Orleans.  He is the author of two books, Differential Diagnosis for the Dermatologist (2012) and Skin Disease and the History of Dermatology: Order out of Chaos (2023).  He blogs about the history of dermatology at his website, historyofderm.com.  He is happily married to his wife Svetlana and the father of two boys, Stephen, 7, and Timothy, 5.