Ophthalmology in Leipzig and Dresden 100 years ago

Abstract

Based on a rich ophthalmologic tradition in Saxony--for example Georg Bartisch (1536-1606) and his "ophthalmoduleia" furthermore the anatomist and surgeon of the university of Leipzig Justus Gottfried Guenz (1714-1754), working about the staphyloma and criticizing the notorious oculist John Taylor (1703-1772)--the situation at Dresden and Leipzig is described. The development was dynamical, scientifical and in the end independent of surgical specialty. Physiology (Purkinje, Helmholtz), obstetric (Credé) and other medical specialties had a great influence on the ophthalmology too. The investigation predominantly is determined by the "Staatshandbuch für das Königreich Sachsen" and by the also important address-books of Dresden and Leipzig. In this material are to find the number of ophthalmologists, of clinics and practices as well as the kinds of work. The ophthalmology in Saxony 100 years ago, especially in the university of Leipzig and in the capital of this country, Dresden, may be mirror of the development in whole Germany. As well in the academic field as in the ophthalmology the specialty was very spreaded and accepted. In the focus of the ophthalmological picture the extent and the level or the quality of this medical specialty stands. We can say, that the oculists at that time are versed in concerning the operative and conservative therapy. The social welfare played a part in the supply of the blind and in the prescription of glasses. With reference to the chairs and many personalities Saxony was a centre of ophthalmology in Germany.