Down syndrome before Down: a retrospect.

Abstract

We have attempted to identify published descriptions and reports of skeletal remains, figurines and paintings of suggested or supposed instances of Down syndrome predating John Langdon Haydon Down's initial account of the condition in 1866. A review of the ascertained material in each of these categories has not provided, in our opinion, convincing evidence of presence of the syndrome, although that possibility is not excluded. In the interests of historical authenticity readers are invited to point out perceived errors or omissions in this presentation.