THE KIDNEY STONE FORMERS

There are a number of documented cases of historical figures and distinguished members of society who were kidney stone formers. This condition is caused by nephrolithiasis, which are more commonly known as kidney stones, or urolithiasis, where the stone forms in the urinary system.

These are crystal deposits that can accrete in the urinary system when certain chemical substances become concentrated in the urine. Among the symptoms associated with nephrolithiasis are intense colicky pain, nausea, fever, chills, and the reduction or blockage of urine flow. Historically, the condition of having a kidney or bladder stone was referred to as "the stone" or "the gravel".

In certain cases, kidney stone formation played a pivotal role in history. Most notably, some members of the royalty and military leaders became debilitated at important moments, such as Napoleon III of France during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 and Athenian commander Nicias in the disastrous Sicilian Expedition of 415–3 BCE. Despite this condition, artists such as Arthur Sullivan and Michel de Montaigne managed to produce historically distinguished works; providing an example of perseverance in the face of severe and chronic pain.

The medical advances of the Twentieth century have allowed important members of society to survive the condition, whereas in the past it may have proven debilitating or fatal.
According to Guinness World Records, the largest and heaviest kidney stone ever removed from a human came from Peter Baulman of Australia. It was removed from his right kidney in December 2003, and weighed 356 g (12.5 oz). At its widest point, the stone measured 11.86 cm (4.66 in).