2023 - 1 Issue

Original article

Prof. Dr Carl Ferdinand Ritter von Arlt (1812–1887): His Life and Work During his Ophthalmological Career in Prague

Milan Ivanišević

Full Text links

DOI: 10.31348/2023/4

Published in Czech and Slovak Ophtalmology: 2023 - 1

Published on website: 20.02.2023

Keywords: Carl Ferdinand Ritter von Arlt, Prague, Ophthalmology, history, 19th century

Summary

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the life and work in Prague of the famous ophthalmologist Carl Ferdinand Ritter von Arlt (1812‒1887). The paper presents data on his stay in Prague while studying Medicine and working as a private physician and ophthalmologist. Professor von Arlt was Head of the Chair of Ophthalmology at Charles University. He was Director of the Eye Clinic at Prague General Hospital from 1849 to 1856. A detailed description is given of his residences and their appearance today. Very little has been written about this aspect, so the paper will be a supplement to his impressive biography. A brief, chronological, systematic and concise biography is also provided, including details of his family and his contributions to Ophthalmology. During his 25-year stay in Prague (1831–1856), he commuted between the city centre and the General Hospital where he worked. He changed the location of his residence five times. It is important to note and not to forget where one of the greatest ophthalmologists of the 19th century worked and resided in Prague.

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  31. German. On 7 March 1887, Dr von Arlt died in his apartment at Bellariastrasse no. 12 in Vienna, from hypostatic pneumonia, due to repeated amputations and surgery to his left leg as a consequence of thrombosis. He was buried in the Central Cemetery in Vienna (block 12, row 13, grave number 22) [30]. Conclusion Professor Ferdinand von Arlt was an outstanding ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, researcher, exceptional lecturer and teacher, who made a major contribution to the development of Ophthalmology in the 19th century. He was Head of the Chair of Ophthalmology and Director of the Eye Clinic in Prague from 1849 to 1856. Dr von Arlt educated many prominent ophthalmologists. He published numerous scientific works. He established international fame among ophthalmological specialists. During his 25-year stay in Prague, Ferdinand von Arlt commuted between the city centre and the General Hospital where he worked. He had five changes of residential address. It is important to note and not to for