This bas-relief on the façade of St. Georg Hospital in Hamburg, commemorates the pioneering German physician Eduard Arning (1855-1936). The inscription marks his service as physician-in-chief of the dermatology and venereology department at the hospital during the period 1906 to 1924.
Eduard Arning made important contributions to the field of dermatology and the study of infectious diseases, particularly that of leprosy. From 1884 to 1886, he carried out research into the disease at the leper colony on Molokai in the Hawaiian Islands, broadening medical insight into this transmissible illness. Some of his work in Molokai, which included inoculating a condemned prisoner with leprosy, is now considered contrary to medical ethical standards.
After returning to Germany, Arning became one of Hamburg’s most prominent dermatologists and in 1919 was appointed associate professor at the city’s University. His legacy as a researcher, teacher and physician has ensured him a lasting place in the annals of medical history.
- Photos by Luca Borghi ti.supmacinu|ihgrob.l#| (July 2025) and page layout by Maria Sofia Sgreccia ti.supmacla|aiccergs.sm#| (November 2025)
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