Theodor Meynert (1833–1892): Famous brain-anatomist and poet

Abstract

This paper focuses on the lesser-known side of the famous neuropathologist, anatomist, and psychiatrist Theodor Meynert (1833-1892): Meynert as a poet. Meynert decided to become a doctor late in life, a decision that required him to give up on having a career as a writer. This analysis outlines that Meynert, as a scientist, was significantly shaped by his multifaceted interests and surrounding environment. It refers to previously unknown archival materials and especially letters that gives new insights into his multifactored personality. Thus, as this paper argues, his poetic affinity is of great importance to understanding his work.