In December 1960 a letter titled “Is Thalidomide to Blame?” by Dr. Leslie Florence from Scotland was published in the British Medical Journal. Florence was wondering if Thalidomide might be responsible for paraesthesia and other symptoms he witnessed in some of his patients. “It would appear that these symptoms could possibly be a toxic effect of Thalidomide”, Leslie wrote and also asked if other doctors had made similar experiences. The Florence letter was the first published connection between Thalidomide and nerve damage.

Sources: Chronology of events provided by the German Federal Contergan Association (Bundesverband Contergangeschädigter).

Website – PMC – US National Library of Medicine, National insititutes of Health, “Is Thalidomide to Blame?”, Dec. 31, 1960