Area of Science:

• History of Science
• Neuroscience
• Archival Science

Context:

• Scientific preparations, particularly historical microscope slides, require robust systems for long-term data retrieval and reactivation.
• The concept of 'reactivation' in science relies on the interplay between physical specimens and their associated metadata.
• The early 20th century saw the development of detailed labeling and cataloging systems in medical research.

Purpose:

• To investigate the role of labels and finding systems in the reactivation of historical scientific preparations.
• To analyze the specific labeling practices of early Alzheimer's brain tissue preparations.
• To compare these practices with those of other contemporary medical researchers.

Summary:

• This study explores how labels on microscope slides, combined with finding systems, facilitate the reactivation of historical scientific preparations.
• It examines Alois Alzheimer's micropreparations of Auguste D.'s brain tissue, focusing on his labeling methods.
• By comparing these with other researchers' practices from 1890-1920, the study highlights the epistemological value of micropreparations as hybrid data (image and material).

Impact:

• Demonstrates that well-organized labels and finding systems are essential for scientific memory and the reactivation of historical data.
• Highlights the enduring value of early 20th-century micropreparations, as evidenced by their reactivation in modern molecular biology studies.
• Underscores the epistemological significance of physical specimens as data that transcend simple categorization.