2. Author introduction

Silas Weir Mitchell - (\(1829\)-\(1914\)) was born in Philadelphia. He was a neurologist by profession. He was regarded as one of the most famous physicians of his day and a prolific writer of scientific and literary writings. He earned his M.D in \(1850\) after studying at the University of Pennsylvania. He is regarded as the father of neurology and a pioneer in scientific medicine. He wrote over \(25\) literary works, and his medical expertise and background allowed him to write historical fiction with a strong psychological foundation. Several universities in the United States and overseas bestowed honorary degrees on him. The American Academy of Neurology award for young researchers is named after him.