Rheumatism as perceived by some quotations: as seen by the patient and physician.

The word "rheumatism", introduced in ancient times, is still used directly or indirectly, in parallel with the terms of the modern nosography. The reasons for this persistence can be sought in the history of the concept, which can be approached via quotations from texts written either by authors who describe popular beliefs or their own sufferings; or by physicians known to have played a prominent role in the individualization of rheumatology. The word "rheumatism" was first used mainly to designate a painful fluxion of the tissues located between the skin and the internal organs. It gradually lost ground to more descriptive terms suggestive of joints. Thus, the concept of "rheumatism" still bears the hallmark of its "popular" roots and is on a level parallel to but distinct from that of modern nosography. Awareness of its origins may improve communication between physicians and patients and also raises questions about the foundations of the concept of "rheumatic disease".