[Laryngology in the late 19th century: using the treatment of Frederick III as an example]

In 1887, the future Emperor Frederick III developed a laryngeal carcinoma. The long history of this case, from his incipient hoarseness in January 1887 to his death in June 1888, is documented in detail owing to the prominent position of this patient and provides insights into laryngology in the late 19th century.

The team of attending German physicians led by the English physician Dr. Mackenzie wrote reports about the treatment of Frederick III and the circumstances surrounding it, which were published in 1888 by the Imperial Printing House ("Reichsdruckerei"). These reports were analyzed with regard to the assumptions underlying treatment at the time as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used.

The passages cited from these records provide a historical perspective shedding light on the premises underlying treatment and the procedures adopted for diseases of the larynx in the late 19th century.

The analysis of this illustrative example reveals the similarities and differences between laryngology in the 19th century and that of today. Many of the techniques and assumptions developed back then can still be regarded as the foundation for modern treatment options. Other procedures, however, are now obsolete.