History of the French Society of Neurology: 1975-1999

The history of the French Society of Neurology during the past 25 years is briefly summarised, with special emphasis on the eminent role played by som e of its members: Paul Castaigne, of immense stature, and dean Cambier and Alain Guillard who for many years acted as General Secretary before becomin g President. This is followed by a report analysing the scientific work of the Society during the century, It is pointed out that certain topics, such as clinical semiology and infectious pathology, which were much studied in the past, are now largely ignored. Other topics, however, such as multiple sclerosis, vascular pathology, and degenerative pathology are more frequen tly studied today than in the past. Lastly, an analysis is made of the Soci ety's current membership, from which it is apparent that a special effort w ill be required on the part of all members to maintain the wide scientific influence that our Society has always exerted.