The classic description by Huntington of the chronic degenerative hereditary type of chorea led to the eponym “Huntington’s chorea”. Earlier accounts of the disease were given by John Elliotson (Lancet, 1832, 1, 163), Waters (see No. 4691), and I. W. Lyon (Amer. med. Times, 1863, 7, 289-90). For historical note see D. L. Stevens, J. roy. Coll. Phycns., 1972, 6, 271-82. For bibliography see No. 5019.12.