Early observations on optic neuritis and Uhthoff's sign.

For much of the 19th century, even after the discovery of the ophthalmoscope, the diagnostic clinical signs and the identity of primary optic nerve disease were confused and inaccurate. Amongst many contributions aimed at clarifying this muddle, those of Wilhelm Uhthoff and Edward Nettleship were of outstanding importance and are outlined here. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.