proper use of possessives, need an expert grammar opinion - LadyWriter

Posted: Dec 17, 2012

Several years ago, Book of Style made the recommendation to drop the possessive form for names of tests, diseases, etc. - i.e., Alzheimer's disease is now Alzheimer disease BUT is Alzheimer's when standing alone, i.e., I have Alzheimer's (disease implied but not written) and most facilities have since adopted this practice. That said, if a doctor refers to an instrument such as Metzenbaum scissors, there is no possessive used....but if doctor says "I used the Metzenbaum's to widen the incision" this would be the correct usage when Metzenbaum stands alone, yes? Or would you say "I used the Metzenbaums to widen the incision." ???? I don't think this is an issue of these diseases, instruments and the like being named after someone that determines the possessive use, but rather these are nouns and use of the possessive depends on how they are used. Such as "I'm going to my brother's home" correct, yes? And "I'm going to my brother's" is also correct. Yes? From what I read in the Book of Style (which my new workplace uses as a guide), I feel it would be incorrect to write "I used the Metzenbaums to widen the incision." But I'm being told that this is fine to write it this way. I'm just looking for feedback or other links that support my view and if I'm wrong on this, I'd like to learn the basis supporting that view. Thanks for reading this!