Jean Alfred Fournier

Jean Alfred Fournier (born March 12, 1832, died 1914) was a French dermatologist who specialized in the study of venereal diseases.

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Fournier began his medical career as an intern at the Hôpital du Midi as an understudy to Philippe Ricord (1800-1889). Fournier's main contribution to medical science concerned the study of congenital syphilis, which he first described in 1883. In his numerous publications, he stressed the importance of syphilis being the cause of degenerative disease. Also, he founded an organization called the Société Française de Prophylaxie Sanitaire et Morale.

He is known for three eponymous medical terms regarding venereal disease:

• Fournier's gangrene: Gangrene caused by infection of the scrotum and usually associated with diabetes. Although Fournier is named after the condition, it was first described by a physician named Baurienne in 1764.
• Fournier's sign: Scars on the mouth following the healing of lesions in congenital syphilis.
• Fournier's tibia: Fusiform thickening and anterior bowing of the tibia in congenital syphilis.

Along with his study of venereal disease, Fournier was also a medical historian, republishing works of previous physicians, including famed 16th century doctors such as Girolamo Fracastoro (1478-1553) and Jacques de Béthencourt.

External Reference:

• Surgical Knowledge and Skills Website
• Who Named It?