The publication of "Grundriß der allgemeinen klinischen Pathologie" in 1893 established a scientific foundation for clinical medicine that spanned fourteen editions. Albrecht Ludolf Krehl, who later became Ludolf von Krehl following his 1904 ennoblement, spent his career navigating the intersection of physiology, pathology, and internal medicine within the universities of the German Reich.
Academic Progression and Clinical Appointments
Born in Leipzig in 1861, Krehl received his education at Heidelberg University, Leipzig University, and the University of Jena. Early in his career, he served as an assistant to Ernst Leberecht Wagner and Heinrich Curschmann in Leipzig. By 1888, he earned his habilitation. His career involved a series of directorates and professorships across Germany, including positions at the University of Jena starting in 1892, the University of Marburg in 1899, and the University of Greifswald between 1900 and 1902. He subsequently held a chair at the University of Tübingen and, in 1904, succeeded Bernhard Naunyn at the University of Strasbourg. From 1907 until 1932, he served as the director of the medical clinic at Heidelberg University.
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Krehl focused his research on metabolic diseases and cardiac pathology. During his tenure in Strasbourg, he provided facilities for Albert Fraenkel to conduct trials involving intravenous strophanthin. His academic interests also extended to the psychosomatic aspects of disease, where he incorporated findings from the psychoanalytic work of Josef Breuer and Sigmund Freud into his clinical perspective. At Heidelberg, he mentored individuals including Viktor von Weizsäcker. Beyond his specific research, Krehl acted as a primary driver for the establishment of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Medical Research, an institution now recognized as the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research.
Professional Recognition and Legacy
Throughout his life, Krehl authored several texts, including "Die Erkrankungen des Herzmuskels" in 1901, "Krankheitsform und Persönlichkeit" in 1929, and "Über die Naturheilkunde" in 1935. He held memberships in both the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. His professional contributions were acknowledged through the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order and the Adlerschild des Deutschen Reiches in 1936. Krehl died in 1937 and is buried at the Bergfriedhof in Heidelberg.
Fast facts
- Born: 1861, Leipzig
- Died: 1937, Heidelberg
- Education: Heidelberg University, Leipzig University, University of Jena
- Ennobled: 1904
- Notable Award: Adlerschild des Deutschen Reiches (1936)
- Key Publication: Pathologische Physiologie (1893)
- Burial Site: Bergfriedhof
- Professional Membership: German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
Questions readers ask
What was Ludolf von Krehl's main academic contribution?
He is best known for his landmark textbook on pathological physiology, first published in 1893, which helped define the scientific basis for clinical medicine.
Which institution did he help found?
He was a catalyst for the founding of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Medical Research, currently known as the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Tübingen, Heidelberg University and University of Jena
