James Wilson is a historical figure.
James Wilson ( September 14 , 1742 -- August 21 , 1798 ) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a signatory of the United States Declaration of Independence . Dr. James Evan Wilson , M.D. , is a fictional character on the Fox medical drama House . The character first appears in the show 's pilot episode when he introduces a medical case to Dr. Gregory House . James Wilson ( 3 September 1760 -- 30 August 1820 ) , commonly known as `` Perley Wilson , '' was a Scottish revolutionary , born in the parish of Avondale in Scotland , a prominent figure in the Radical movement seeking electoral reform .