[Arthur von Hippel--100 years motorized trepanation]

The introduction of a new motorized trepan in ophthalmic surgery by Arthur v. Hippel in 1891 was a very important achievement. The corneal incision became much safer and the unintentional injury of the iris, the lens and the vitreous body could be avoided considerably. Following a statement on corneal grafting in the 2. part of the 19. century the development of the trepan, the technical data and the experiences and reactions of other ophthalmic surgeons are discussed. The innovations of Arthur v. Hippel were appreciated by the A. v. Gräfe-Prize of the Society of Ophthalmology/Heidelberg.