Van Leeuwenhoek did pioneering work into microscopy, and the science of microbiology. But he also suffered from a very rare and mysterious ailment.

Van Leeuwenhoek did pioneering work into microscopy, and the science of microbiology. But he also suffered from a very rare and mysterious ailment.

In Part One of each episode, Dr Frank will talk about a famous figure from history who suffered from an illness or had a disability. At that time, no-one knew or understood what may have caused the problem, or how to treat it - It was a mystery at the time. In Part Two of the episode, Dr Frank will discuss that same or similar illness or ailment in a modern-day context, and many times it has remained a mystery. Each two-part episode will be intriguing and informative.

Medical Mysteries - Ancient and Modern

Medical Mysteries, Series 5 - Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, and respiratory myoclonus.

The American Founding Father and first U.S. President, was one of the great figures in history. He was also known to be in favour of blood-letting as a means of recovering from illness. This leads Dr Frank to discuss the topic of disorders of the blood.

The American Founding Father and first U.S. President, was one of the great figures in history. He was also known to be in favour of blood-letting as a means of recovering from illness. This leads Dr Frank to discuss the topic of disorders of the blood.

Medical Mysteries Series 5 - George Washington, and blood disorders

One of histories greatest inventors, this famous Scotsman invented the telephone (or did he?) and the phonograph, as well as some other remarkable achievements. Did Alexander Graham Bell really have the mysterious ailment of anemia?

One of histories greatest inventors, this famous Scotsman invented the telephone (or did he?) and the phonograph, as well as some other remarkable achievements. Did Alexander Graham Bell really have the mysterious ailment of anemia?

Medical Mysteries, Series 5 - Alexander Graham Bell, and anemia

This famous English novelist is the subject of Dr Frank's discussion here. Her six major novels are landmark publications, and she was a giant in English literature. However, did she really die from Addison's disease?

This famous English novelist is the subject of Dr Frank's discussion here. Her six major novels are landmark publications, and she was a giant in English literature. However, did she really die from Addison's disease?

Medical Mysteries, Series 5 - Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, and respiratory myoclonus.

Medical Mysteries - Ancient and Modern

Follow podcast

Recent clips