The life and legacy of Sir William Osler (1849–1919) have been celebrated by nearly 1900 articles, 10 special issues of medical journals, several biographies, numerous lectures and orations, and regular meetings of ‘Osler Societies’ throughout the world. To what extent does this ‘industry’ reflect serious history as opposed to hagiography? The overarching purpose of this special issue of the Journal of Medical Biography is to present Osler as a real person from whom useful examples – both admirable and not so admirable – can be drawn for a 21st century readership.
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