The disease of emperor frederick III

The disease and death of German Emperor Frederick III has often been described in historical and medical treatises. These were all based on official political and medical reports published during 1887–1888, the time of the disease. The assertion of laryngologists, made while Frederick III was still alive, that the laryngeal carcinoma developed from a specific syphilitic infection is examined here. On the basis of the relevant laryngological literature, as well as less well‐known sources, the probability of this assumption, the particular symptoms, and the fulminant course of the disease are documented. The behavior and the personality of Sir Morell Mackenzie is accordingly seen in a different light than in the past.