Abstract
PurposeThis article presents new research on the role of the renowned German physician Ernst von Leyden (1832–1910) in the emergence of oncology as a scientific discipline.MethodsThe article draws on archival sources from the archive of the German Society of Haematology and primary and secondary literature.ResultsLeyden initiated two important events in the early history of oncology: the first international cancer conference, which took place in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1906, and the founding of the first international association for cancer research (forerunner of today's UICC) in Berlin in 1908. Unfortunately, these facts are not mentioned in the most recent accounts. Both had a strong impact on the professionalization of oncology as a discipline in its own right.ConclusionAlthough not of Jewish origin, von Leyden was considered by the National Socialists to be “Jewish tainted”, which had a lasting effect on his perception at home and abroad.
Highlights
On June 13, 1906, American newspaper readers learned from the Los Angeles Times that the first international conference on cancer research ever was to be held in Germany
The invitation began with the preamble “American colleagues made the suggestion...”(Voswinckel 2019). (Fig. 1) The letter was signed by Ernst von Leyden (Berlin), Vincenz Czerny (Heidelberg) and Paul Ehrlich (Frankfurt)
It was sent from the Berlin address of George Meyer, Secretary General of the German Central Committee for Cancer Research
Summary
The reasons for the short lifespan of the so-called “I. Internationale” (Blumenthal 1928/1936) (First International Association) are to be found in political differences, unrealistic expectations and content-related aporia. What Marcus overlooked—his investigation period extended only to 1915!—was the fact that the transnational effort to fight against cancer survived and that after the war there were numerous clarification processes and new challenges These culminated in the founding of a Second International Association in 1935, the Union Internationale contre le Cancer (UICC). As we will show below, this prejudice has two roots, both largely determined by the political and ideological upheavals of the twentieth century: some saw Leyden as a typical representative of imperial Germany (which he was not); others thought he was too pro-Jewish (which was not untrue) The latter kind of racist remarks were sometimes heard in international oncology circles (see below).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
