The satirical epic poem known as The Jobsiade, published anonymously in 1784, established the literary reputation of Carl Arnold Kortum, a physician based in Bochum. While he maintained a professional career in medicine beginning in 1771, his output extended into diverse subjects including beekeeping, antiquarian studies, and alchemy, defining a career characterized by both clinical practice and prolific writing.
Medical Career in Bochum
Born in 1745 in Mülheim an der Ruhr, Kortum pursued formal studies in medicine before establishing his practice in Bochum. His professional life unfolded during an era when hospitals transitioned into teaching institutions and clinical observation became a standardized requirement. Throughout his residency in the Kingdom of Prussia, he engaged with the evolving standards of medical research and hospital training, which remained unevenly distributed across the region.
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Beyond his medical duties, Kortum produced an array of texts, though most of his non-medical writings lacked consistent financial success. His most notable work, "Life, Opinions, and Deeds of Hieronymus Jobs the Candidate," also referred to as "The Jobsiade," utilized grotesque-comic verse to satirize the career path of the title character. This publication went through multiple editions, including a prominent 1857 version released by Brockhaus in Leipzig.
Diverse Research Interests
Kortum possessed a wide range of intellectual curiosities, documented in numerous published works. His bibliography includes "The Martyrs of Fashion" (1778), "The Magic Lantern" (1784–86), "Adams Hochzeitsfeier" (1788), and a treatise titled "Defense of Alchemy" (1789). These subjects reflect a divergence from strictly scientific material, showcasing his engagement with themes ranging from contemporary social trends to historical alchemy.
Legacy and Final Years
Kortum resided in Bochum until his death in 1824 at the age of 79. His remains were interred at the site now known as Kortumpark in Bochum. While his medical practice provided the foundation of his career, history remembers him as a physician-writer who navigated the divide between clinical observation and satirical literary production.
Fast facts
- Born: 1745, Mülheim an der Ruhr
- Died: 1824, Bochum
- Burial site: Kortumpark Bochum
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Prussia
- Primary occupations: Physician, writer
- Notable work: The Jobsiade (1784)
Questions readers ask
What is the primary work of Carl Arnold Kortum?
His most significant work is the satirical epic poem Life, Opinions, and Deeds of Hieronymus Jobs the Candidate, commonly known as The Jobsiade.
Where did Carl Arnold Kortum spend his professional life?
He practiced medicine in Bochum, Germany, starting in 1771, and remained there until his death in 1824.
