Search

Gustav Adolf Neuber was a celebrated multifaceted German surgeon, who significantly contributed to the establishment of modern surgical Antisepsis techniques as well as the modification and questioning of the use of wound drainage systems. In addition, he reformed architectural and structural concepts regrading operating rooms. In the field of plastic surgery, Gustav Adolf Neuber established a procedure for autologous fat-grafting. The lack and inadequacy of literature sources regarding Neuber´s contribution to common surgical practices and antisepsis vastly disregards the importance of his work. Aim of the current work is not only to restore his reputation as the Father of Antisepsis and autologous fat-grafting but also to make amends for the lack of relevant sources in the current literature. To the best of our knowledge there is no concrete and adequate biographical work regarding G.A. Neuber´s immense contribution in the outstanding English literature. References can only be found in writings or speeches of German Surgeons originating in the mid of the 20th century. The current work is mainly based on the opening speech delivered by Professor Dr Konjentzny (1880-1957) in a sitting ceremony of the “Deutsche Gesellschaft der Chirurgie” on the first of June in 1950 which was dedicated to commemorating Neuber as a tribute for his 100th Birthday and a historical article entitled: “Neuber und die Asepsis”.

Although Ernst von Bergmann (1837-1907) is considered the father of neurosurgery in Germany, Fedor Krause (1857-1937) should be considered as its main founder. He was principally a general surgeon but he had a special interest in neurosurgery, a field in which he introduced many new techniques. He also fabricated innovative surgical methods for the treatment of patients with epilepsy.

Mathieu Jaboulay (1860-1913) was an inventor in vascular and general surgery. He fabricated many new surgical techniques and instruments such as Jaboulay method for vascular sutures, Jaboulay anastomotic button, and Jaboulay amputation, known also as hemipelvectomy. In addition, he was a pioneer in heterologous transplantation and sympathectomy. He found death suddenly in a terrible train crash. He was a reputable Professor of Surgery at Lyon Faculty of Medicine with prestigious students in vascular surgery.

Carl Ferdinand von Arlt, Ritter von Bergschmidt (1812-1887) was a pioneer in ophthalmology. The purpose of our paper is to highlight his scientific work. He did not only introduce new surgical techniques and invent new instruments in ocular surgery, but also influenced the development of ophthalmology in the 19th century. He was an excellent and reputable professor of ophthalmology, and his students became very respected figures in ophthalmology.

The aim was to study Adriaan van den Spiegel’s ideas on ocular anatomy. He is better known by his Latinized name as Adrianus Spigelius (1578 – 1625). He was a Flemish physician and anatomist who lived and worked in Padua, where in 1605 he was elected to be Professor of Anatomy and Surgery. Chapter IX of book ten of Spigelius’ work on human anatomy, entitled De humani corporis fabrica libri X tabulis aere icisis exornati (1627) was devoted to an anatomical description of the eye. Corresponding to contemporary ideas of the production of knowledge Spigelius endeavoured to enhance Andreas Vesalius’ (1514–1564) anatomy, he did not repeat his predecessor’s theories of ocular anatomy. He conceptualised that the eye has six muscles, five tunics and three humors, while he gave a brief description of ocular physiology combining anatomy and the functional role of the anatomic ocular parts.Conclusion. He managed to correct Vesalius’ errors and to present ocular anatomy with original notes, which so far, have been ignored and are highlighted now.