Fritz Brupbacher practiced medicine in Zurich from 1874 until his death in 1945, balancing his professional career in surgery with intensive involvement in libertarian socialist movements. Educated at the University of Geneva and the University of Zurich, he operated a medical practice in the Aussersihl district while simultaneously editing journals and organizing labor-focused reading circles throughout his long career.
Medical Practice and Sex Education
Brupbacher maintained a medical practice in Zurich-Aussersihl for two decades alongside his second wife, the Russian physician Paulette Gutzeit-Raygrodski. The couple worked extensively in the field of sex education, advocating for maternity leave, child benefits, and the provision of contraceptives. Paulette Brupbacher campaigned for legal access to abortion, which prompted a cantonal public speaking ban in Solothurn in 1936, a decision eventually upheld by the federal court.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Political Activities and Organizational Work
Beyond his medical duties, Brupbacher focused on socialist propaganda and labor organization. He founded the Zurich Antimilitarist League in 1905 and served on the Zurich City Council between 1900 and 1904 as a member of the Social Democratic Party. His political career was marked by significant volatility; he joined the Swiss Communist Party in 1921 but was expelled in 1933 due to his criticism of Stalin and his ongoing adherence to anarchist perspectives.
Publications and Intellectual Life
Brupbacher utilized writing as a primary tool for agitation, publishing the magazine Junge Schweiz from 1899 to 1900. Between 1906 and 1908, he co-edited the monthly journal Polis with Max Tobler. His writing career included contributions to numerous syndicalist publications such as Volksrecht, The Fighter, and La Vie Ouvrière. He is also noted for his work on Michael Bakunin.
Fast facts
- Born: 1874, Zurich
- Died: 1945, Zurich
- Citizenship: Switzerland
- Educated: University of Geneva, University of Zurich
- Burial site: Cemetery Hönggerberg
- Political affiliations: Social Democratic Party of Switzerland, Swiss Communist Party
- Notable work: Michael Bakunin
- Languages: French, Italian, Standard High German, Swiss German
Questions readers ask
Where is the memorial for Fritz and Paulette Brupbacher located?
They have a memorial at the Cemetery Hönggerberg in Zurich.
What is Brupbacherplatz?
It is a square in Zurich's district 3, named in 2009 to honor both Fritz and his wife, Paulette Brupbacher-Raygrodski.
Achievements
- Notable work: Michael Bakunin
