Eugène Billod (1818–1886)

The author recounts the life of Louis-Antoine Billod born in the second half of the XIXth century. He was president of the Société médicopsychologique in 1877, however, he is mostly known for his numerous publications considered as fine clinical observations.     

On the Psychophysiology of Dreaming: A Sensory Image ––– Free Association Hypothesis of the Dream Process

Abstract: A psychophysiological hypothesis of the dream process during REM sleep called "a sensory image-free association hypothesis" is proposed. It is assumed that a state with a sustained EEG pattern of drowsiness (non-REM stage-1) and muscle atonia produces a stream of disorganized and vague thinking as a background mentation during the REM sleep. The phasic excitation of the brain occurring concurrently with the burst of rapid eye movements (REMs) activates the hippocampal-neocortical memory system and draws out sensory images from the memory reservoir of the brain. The dreamer makes a freely organized association about the successive sensory images and makes up a dream story. This hypothesis is compatible not only with the recent neurophysiological findings but also with traditional psychological interpretation of the dream content.     

Abnormal Phosphatidylinositol-Cycle of Platelet Membrane in Schizophrenia–––A Preliminary Study

Abstract: Phosphatidylinositol (PI)-cycle in the platelet membrane was examined in eight untreated patients with psychotic symptoms. A defect of PI-cycle in the transformation from 1,2–diacylglycerol into phosphatidic acid was found in three patients, who were diagnosed as having Schizophrenic Disorders or Schizophreniform Disorder according to the DSM-III criteria. Two out of the three patients were reexamined while undergoing neuroleptic medication, and they showed the same abnormality in PI-cycle. Further studies were required to determine the nature of the abnormality in PI-cycle in the platelets of schizophrenics.     

Marie Charles Joseph Bra (1854–1912)

Marie Charles Joseph Bra (1854–1912) was a psychiatrist, author of the first psychiatric textbook, Handbook of mental illness (1883), hapless epilepsy and cancer researcher.     

The enigma of Lenin''s (1870–1924) malady

The health of heads of states is not always handled in the same way as an incapacitating disability in ordinary professionals. Instead of suspension of responsibilities, the health status of political leaders is concealed, especially when the illness is perceived as stigmatizing, such as organic mental impairment or sexual disorder. The objective of the present paper is to analyse the malady of Lenin (1870-1924) in the light of relevant and new medical information. It is hoped that this will accentuate the need for transparency when the health of a statesman is concerned.