Forum

In 2004 we commemorate the 150th day of death of Carl Adolph von Basedow, who takes a lasting place in the history of medicine for his description of the Merseburg triad (exophthalmos, goitre, tachycardia) with hyperthyroidism. There has been a long-lasting dispute over who first described these diagnostic features. In Germany, the dermatologically-relevant features of hyperthyroidism are known as Basedow disease. In the Anglo-American literature the name "Graves' disease" is predominately used, but also authors such as Parry or Flajani are also recognised. More than 60 other publications concerning arsenic poisoning, gonorrhoeal arthritis, anthrax, thrombophlebitis as well as a variety of surgical and gynaecological problems reflect the vast field of activity and broad scientific interests of the family doctor Basedow, who reached brilliant and lasting achievements on his own and without considerable resources.