German Neurology and the 'Third Reich'

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• History of Medicine
• Medical Ethics

Background:

• This paper examines the role of German neurology during the National Socialist (NS) era.
• It synthesizes extensive secondary literature and key original sources.

Observation:

• Many neurologists and neuroscientists were persecuted, forced to flee, or killed starting in 1933.
• The discipline's autonomy failed following a merger with the Psychiatrists' Association.
• Racial-hygienic and eugenic paradigms expanded, increasing sterilizations for conditions like epilepsy.
• Neurological institutions participated in the 'euthanasia' program by dissecting brains of murdered patients for research.

Findings:

• The Nazi state and German neurology mutually benefited from 'resources'.
• Post-1945, the professional community exhibited minimal interest in this historical legacy.
• Unbiased examination and comprehensive research became possible only several generations later.

Implications:

• Understanding this history is crucial for medical ethics and preventing future abuses.
• It highlights the importance of critical self-reflection within scientific communities.
• This research paves the way for a more complete understanding of historical scientific misconduct.