The Structure of Eponyms in V. A. McKusick's Catalogue "Mendelian Inheritance in Man"

The article examines the structure of eponymous names of hereditary diseases, syndromes, and traits catalogued in the OMIM (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man) database, created by Victor McKusick. It is shown that among more than 30,000 entries in the catalogue, 347 names (1.7%) are eponyms recommended as the primary designation. Four categories of eponyms have been identified and characterised: anthroponyms (82.4%), acronyms (14.7%), toponyms (2.3%), and ethnonyms (0.6%). Examples of each category are provided. The problem of pejorative names for hereditary syndromes is considered separately, along with the ethical aspects of using such terms when communicating with patients and the didactic value of figurative names in teaching clinical genetics. The cultural and historical significance of eponymic terminology is discussed as a means of preserving the memory of outstanding researchers and events.

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