Who introduced the term 'word blindness' in 1878?

The term 'word blindness' was introduced by Adolph Kussmaul in 1878. Kussmaul, a German neurologist, used the term to describe a condition that would later become understood as a form of dyslexia, characterized by difficulties in reading despite having normal intelligence and vision. His foundational work laid the groundwork for further research into reading disorders and the neurological basis of language processing.

Understanding the historical context is essential, as it highlights the evolution of our comprehension of reading disabilities and the language surrounding them. This identification of 'word blindness' was a significant step towards recognizing the various complexities of reading difficulties, which has influenced educational approaches and interventions over time.