The History and Background of Marfan Syndrome
Antoine Bernard-Jean Marfan played an important role in the discovery of Marfan Syndrome (shown in the graphic to the left). He was a French pediatrician born in 1858 and he was the first to report symptoms of Marfan Syndrome. He began medical studies in Toulouse and later on in 1896 found symptoms of Marfan Syndrome. "In 1896 he described the condition of a 5 year old girl," (Pickell). Another historical figure who was rumored to have Marfan Syndrome was Abraham Lincoln (shown in graphic below). Though he showed many symptoms, it was never proven. However Lincoln's great-great gandfather Mordecai Lincoln the second did have the syndrome.