Rudolf Otto Anselm Höber published his seminal text, Physikalische Chemie der Zelle Und der Gewebe, in 1902, establishing his prominence in the field of cellular physiology. His professional trajectory took him from academic institutions in Germany to a final appointment in the United States after political pressure forced his departure from his homeland during the early 1930s.
Academic Foundations and Early Research
Born in Stettin in 1873 to parents Anselm Emil and Elise, Höber pursued his medical education at Freiburg im Breisgau beginning in 1892. He completed his studies at the University of Erlangen in 1897, where his interaction with Isidor Rosenthal sparked a deep interest in physiology. Following his medical degree in 1898, he conducted research at the Zurich Institute under the direction of Justus Gaule and later worked under Max von Frey, eventually securing his habilitation in 1898. His focus remained on the application of physical chemistry to biological membranes and the chemical composition of cells and tissues.
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In 1909, Höber joined Kiel University as an assistant to Victor Hensen. He transitioned to an adjunct professor role in 1910 and engaged in extensive collaborative research with Albrecht Bethe. Although his appointment as a full professor and director was initially delayed in 1915, he eventually occupied that role from 1915 until 1933. His administrative responsibilities expanded in 1930 when he became rector of the Christian-Albrechts University, a position that diverted his attention away from his primary laboratory research.
Emigration and Final Years
Political tensions surfaced in April 1933, when Höber was physically attacked following his public support for theologian Otto Baumgarten. By September of that year, he was forced into retirement. He emigrated to England in October 1933, briefly working at the University of London. By December 1933, he secured a position at the Pennsylvania Medical School, relocating to the United States. He remained active in scientific circles as a member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina until his death in Philadelphia in 1953.
Scientific Contributions
Höber authored significant medical texts, including Lehrbuch der Physiologie des Menschen. His research output was characterized by rigorous attention to the physical properties of biological systems. He is credited with the initial hypothesis regarding beta dispersion within suspended red blood cells, a phenomenon he later expanded to include muscle tissue. Much of his research was conducted in collaboration with his wife, Josephine Marx, who was also trained in medicine.
Fast facts
- Born: 1873, Szczecin
- Died: 1953, Philadelphia
- Educated at: University of Erlangen–Nuremberg
- Primary employer: Kiel University
- Member: German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
- Languages: German
Questions readers ask
What was Rudolf Höber's primary area of research?
He was a physician and physiologist who focused on the physical chemistry of cells and tissues, specifically biological membranes and beta dispersion.
Why did Rudolf Höber leave Germany?
He was forced to resign from his university positions and emigrate in 1933 following political targeting and a physical attack.
Achievements
- Held posts at Kiel University
