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History History of the DOG
In 1957, A. Esser did an outstanding job describing the times, the mood and the people of the founding years in the middle of the last century, highlighting the beginnings of a new era in ophthalmology. "The modernization of medical science in the previous century, and its scientific orientation emanated from men whose background was, in part, still based on natural philosophy, and who were dissatisfied with the previous concept and method of science, and they enthusiastically embraced the new path into uncharted territory. The most prominent among them, Johannes Müller (1801-1858), was an ingenious scientist, as well as an inspiring teacher who attracted a large number of students. Ophthalmology was furthered by these new developments. Johannes Müller did ophthalmological-physiological research and established the law of specific energy of the senses. Brücke, one of the four close friends of Helmholtz, published his renowned description of the anatomy of the human eye in 1847, and carried out optical studies. He was close to solving the opthalmoscope problem, as was Johannes Evangelista Purkinje, who already in the 1830's pursued the conditions of illuminating the pupil and the ophtalmoscope. He also observed the illuminated interior of an eye model. He was engaged in numerous physiological questions regarding the eye, such as reflections of the lens, the eagle figure as well as other subjective visual phenomena that are caused by pressure, light and shadow. Ernst Wilhelm Weber, the oldest of three brothers who were well known among scientists, and were followers of the physical inductive research method (as was the eminent Karl Ludwig somewhat later), also contributed important results in the field of physiological optics. The most important scientist among all the researchers was Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von Helmholtz (1821-1894), also a close friend of Müller’s circle. By inventing the ophthalmoscope, he contributed an instrument that would change the field of ophthalmology, separating the process from surgery and developing into an independent science. It achieved an unprecedented level of success that could never be attained in the past. This success inevitably initiated an unforeseen advances in the field of ophthalmology. Albrecht von Graefe, while observing the illuminated background of an eye for the first time, called out: "Helmholtz opened a new door for us. How much there will be to discover!" Helmholtz's second gift to the world of ophthalmology was the benchmark paper "Physiological Optics". In this book he fundamentally reformed and expanded the physical theory of the eye. Franz Cornelius Donders (1818-1889) of the Netherlands worked on the same theory. Donders evolved into a true pioneer of ophthalmology by introducing the use of cylindrical and prismatic glasses in impaired vision. He also investigated the difference of presbyopia and hyperopia, along with the movements of the eye and the accommodation of the pupil. These achievements labeled Donders as one of the first scientists to explore the physical attributes of the eye. Albrecht von Greafe (1828-1870) was the third person on the scene. He was a gifted clinician in the field of ophthalmology, and with his genius and dedication elevated ophthalmology to new levels making him a benefactor of mankind. In letters to this friend, it became obvious how Graefe also considered their friendship blessed and scientifically successful. There are letters showing that the untiring intellectual effort of both men was an inborn phenomena. Graefe writes the following: "Your statement 'Knowledge benefits us, but learning is a delight' deeply touches my soul and I feel the same way…”, this from the younger to the older man. Another reason for the congeniality between Graefe and Donders was their common disposition. They were both scientists, leaning towards romanticism. Since Helmholtz was of a classical nature, there was an intellectual and spiritual distinction.. Graefe kept a different, more distant attitude towards him, even though Helmholtz' age was closer to his own than that of his friend, Donders. The importance of the trio "Helmholtz-Donders-Graefe" for ophthalmology is best documented in the historically recorded act of Helmholtz being awarded the first Graefe-medal from the hand of Donders. It was a moment of great distinction and importance, because it was a crowning moment for ophthalmology. Of course, this was followed by many more distinguished and remarkable achievements in ophthalmology. The times were perfect for talented and aspiring scientists with an urge for knowledge. There were those famous and those less famous. Since Graefe had a fascinating personality with a natural warmth, and an extraordinary talent for teaching, he was able to convey his own enthusiasm to others who were receptive to it. He soon attracted numerous students and friends from Germany, all of Europe and countries abroad. His name was renowned all over the world as a scientist and ophthalmologist. So it is no surprise that most of the ophthalmologists of that time had, at one time or another, been his students. In fact, even now Graefe is still influencing great teachers. He himself (Graefe) had an urgent desire to discuss the steadily growing experiences, discoveries, and the evolving new problems in ophthalmology with colleagues who had similar goals and ideas. He sought to exchange observations and thoughts about achievements, tasks and goals in a “give and take manner” in order to alleviate mankind's suffering in the best possible way. Graefe got the idea to meet with his friends, who were linked together by the same profession and the same endeavors, to hold informal and casual discussions about professional and personal ideas. These meetings should serve science, friendship and recreation. The realization of these thoughts, desires and intentions gave birth to the "Opthalmological Society Heidelberg”, which is now called "Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft” (German Opthalmological Society).. This society was first mentioned in the middle of 1856. In June of that year, Graefe wrote to his friend Adolf Weber, who had become his student in the fall of 1854, "I wonder if it would be possible for interested ophthalmology students to meet once a year at a nice place, e.g. Heidelberg, to spend some time together in part for scientific discussions and exchanges, and also for leisure activities.” This plan was realized in 1857 at the first international ophthalmological conference in Brussels. Horner writes in his autobiography: "After v. Graefe's suggestion we decided to meet somewhere before the conference in Brussels and to travel together down the river Rhine to attend the congress”. Graefe himself wrote to Donders at the end of August 1857 that he would travel tomorrow from Berlin to Würzburg, then spend one or two days in Heidelberg, where Arlt and some other ophthalmological friends were to gather... They were to stay at the Hotel Schrieder. The gathering of the friends took place from September 3rd until September 5th. This is considered to be the beginning of the conference in Heidelberg. "This was a gathering of few, we were 12 people coming together," so writes Horner, himself participating in the meeting in 1881. In his autobiography he speaks of about "fifteen ophthalmologists." Donders, in 1886, mentions some participants such as Zehender of Rostock, Alexander Pagenstecher of Wiesbaden and Adolf Weber. Furthermore, Zehender names Arlt of Vienna, Kussmaul of Heidelberg, Schiel and Schmauss as speakers, whereas Donders mistakenly mentioned the first two as participants of next year’s meeting in 1858. It can no longer be determined who the other participants were. In 1881 Horner wrote: "This success of the gathering was very well received by all participants. Everybody was pleased, refreshed and enriched with knowledge. It was decided not to part unless everyone agreed to meet again in a similar fashion the following year.” In 1857 the speakers were Arlt, Graefe, Horner, Kussmaul, Alexander Pagenstecher, Schiel, Schmauss and Adolf Weber. Of the twelve lectures Arlt gave two, and Graefe four. The topics were anatomy, physiology, pathology and therapy. Arlt talked about the anatomy of the eye, and therapy after glaucoma surgery; Graefe spoke about the pupil-reaction to light in the case of absolute amaurosis, about pupil movement in the case of paralysis of the oculomotor muscle due to abducens muscle contraction, and the incongruence of retinas, as well as the prognosis of amblyopia. Horner lectured on compression bandages for episcleritis and pterygium surgery, while Kussmaul spoke about the influence of carotid artery ligature on the eye. Pagenstecher reported on the treatment of the scrofula of the eye with the yellow Präcipitat ointment which still carries his name; Schiel talked on sulfur carbon as an anesthetic in eye diseases; Schmauss spoke about iron aloe treatment in retina pigmentation, and Weber on artificial corneas. |
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These three men became the architects of modern ophthalmology. They provided the basis for what we could call "modern ophthalmology" today. It seems predestined that Graefe and Donders, who was 10 years older, met in 1851 at the world exhibition in London. The meeting came about through the arrangement by Friedrich von Jäger who was Graefes’ teacher in Vienna, and a friend of his father. Graefe who had just arrived in the metropolis, looked for, and found Jäger in the eye clinic of Guthrie,accompanied by Donders. With all the gusto of his exuberant personality, literally jumped into Jägers arms and cried out:”You belong together”” ! Donders later told about this fateful meeting “he (Jäger) literally threw him (Graefe) into my arms and it certainly was the right thing to do”.. (Abb: A. v. Graefe and F. C. Donders, about 1865)