Here before us stands the Ernst von Leyden Bust. It’s more than just bronze and granite. It’s a silent testament to a life dedicated to medicine. This bust unveiled in 1913 commemorates Ernst von Leyden a prominent internist. He directed Charité’s First Medical Clinic for over two decades. He was internationally renowned for his work.
Leyden wasn’t just a doctor to the elite. He treated Bismarck and the Russian Tsar. Yet he championed better patient care. He advocated for qualified female nurses. He was a true force for change in Berlin.
His contributions to medicine are vast. He published over 700 papers. He focused on spinal cord diseases. He favored holistic treatments. These included baths massages gymnastics and diet. Leyden was ahead of his time. He promoted preventive healthcare.
From the 1880s onward he tackled public health issues. He led the fight against tuberculosis. This deadly disease particularly affected the poor. In 1895 he helped found a committee. It aimed to establish sanatoriums for lung disease patients. This committee’s success was largely due to Leyden’s reputation. It secured significant funding. Later cancer research became his focus. In 1903 he opened Charité’s first cancer ward. A truly visionary man.
The bust itself has a story. It survived two World Wars. Though damaged by a bullet. The damage remains visible a poignant reminder of turbulent times. The bullet hole above the left eye is a silent witness. It speaks to the turmoil of history. The bust’s relocation in 2019 highlights its enduring significance.
This isn’t just a statue. It is a symbol. A symbol of perseverance. A symbol of medical progress. A symbol of a man who dedicated his life to healing. Remember Ernst von Leyden. His legacy lives on. In this bust and in the lives he touched.