In 1836, Wilhelm Frederick von Ludwig described a fast-spreading, near
ly always fatal infection involving the connective tissues of the neck
and floor of the mouth. Named after this Stuttgart physician, the con
dition has been known since as ''Ludwig's angina''. This biographical
sketch highlights the life and times of the man behind the eponym, who
was lauded for his surgical prowess at the age of 19, went on to beco
me president of the Wurttemberg Medical Association, and whose name an
d the condition he described continue to be recognized today.