Was humanity always this advanced? Here before us stands the Ludvig Israel Brandes Bust. It commemorates a man of immense compassion. Ludvig Israel Brandes was a Danish physician and philanthropist. He was born in Copenhagen in 1821. He died there in 1894.
Brandes graduated in medicine from the University of Copenhagen in 1845. He then studied abroad. Later he spent two years at Copenhagen hospitals. In 1848, he became an assistant surgeon during the Sleswick-Holstein insurrection. He earned his M.D. in 1850. Subsequently, Brandes became an assistant physician. He worked at the Almindelig Hospital and Frederiks Hospital. For years, he practiced medicine in Copenhagen. He also served as a district physician. In 1863, he became chief physician in the Almindelig Hospital’s first division. In 1869, he received the title of professor.
Ludvig Israel Brandes demonstrated great energy in philanthropic work. He founded the Kjøbenhavns Sygehjem in 1859. This was a home for incurables and the aged. He served as its medical director for many years. Brandes also founded a society for seamstresses. It provided relief and intellectual improvement for its members. He was a trustee of the Jewish congregation of Copenhagen for five years.
From 1873, Brandes worked to improve nursing. He held classes and lectures. This was both in hospitals and privately. Previously, only lower-class women were hospital nurses. Brandes encouraged upper-class women to take up the work. His 1877 paper discussed alcohol abuse. It made the restriction of its abuse a leading question.
Brandes’ most important scientific work is his handbook on internal diseases. It is titled “Haandbog i Sygdomsloren.” It comprised four volumes published from 1859-66.
Ludvig Israel Brandes is buried in the Mosaisk Vestre Begravelsesplads. Aksel Hansen created this bust in 1895. It stands before the Kjøbenhavns Sygehjem in Ordrup. Ludvig Israel Brandes’ legacy endures. He left an indelible mark on Copenhagen. His bust stands as a reminder of his dedication to medicine and humanity.