Lot 177
von Volkmann, Richard -- Autograph Manuscript Poem Signed With His Pen Name, Richard Leander (1830-1889) Considered the father of orthopedic surgery. He pioneered Lister's antiseptic procedures in Germany and was the lead physician for the German military during two wars. Volkmann's contracture and the Hueter-Volkmann law are named after him. He also wrote books of children's fairy tales and poems under the name of Richard Leander.
Autograph poem signed "Richard Leander," one page, 13½ x 8½", in German, no place, no date (between 1878 and 1889). Titled "Pro domo,"(For Home), the poem is about pain and is dedicated to Carl Gussenbauer in Prague. Gussenbauer was a pioneer in pancreatic surgery, who had trained with von Volkmann under Theodor Billroth and was a professor at the University of Prague from 1878 to 1894. Gussenbauer would have been aware of the painful spinal condition from which von Volkmann suffered for almost 20 years.
The poem has18 lines and is beautifully penned and signed. It begins, "Mit Sägan, Scheeren und mit Messern / Sucht Ihr den kranken Leib zu bessern. / Den Teufel schiert Euch unser Schmerz: / Ihr Herrn Chirurgen habt kein Herz!…." [Wth saws scissors and knives / You attempt to save the battered body. /The Devil serves us pain. / You, Master Surgeons, are heartless!"]. Dr. von Volkmann knew whereof he spoke. This brilliant, much-respected doctor died at the young age of 59.
The poem was published in JANUS 45, 1-2 (1941) under the pen name of Richard Leander. Fine condition. A typed German transcript and an English translation accompany the poem. Available upon request. Estimate $800 - 1,000
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