Complete Record - Heirs of Hippocrates No. 1908.5

LUDWIK TEICHMANN (1823-1895) Das Saugadersystem vom anatomischen Standpunkte. W. Engelmann 1861 First edition xii, 124 p., [18] leaves of plates : ill. (some col.) 29 cm.

Ludwig Karl Teichmann was a Polish anatomist and physician who made an enduring contribution to forensic science with his discovery of the Teichmann test for hemoglobin. Also called the Teichmann crystal, this is a test that is used on dried stains to determine whether or not blood is present. Dr. Teichmann made his forensic discovery in 1853. His microcrystalline test remains in use today as a means of identifying whether or not dried stains at a crime scene, on clothing or other fabric, or elsewhere at the site of a forensic investigation contain (human) blood. Teichmann studied medicine at the universities of Heidelberg and Göttingen, where he received his doctorate and became an associate professor of anatomy. From there, he was appointed to the chair of anatomy at Krakow. In 1853, Teichmann published a scientific paper in which he described the crystallization of several organic compounds contained in human blood. Within his research paper, he explained a process by which microscopic crystals of hemin could be prepared. Hemin is a substance made up of reddish brown, microscopic, prismatic crystals; it is formed from dried blood by the action of common salt and strong acetic acid (the substance in vinegar that gives it a distinctive odor and pungent taste). The present work, dedicated to Hyrtl, is Teichmann’s “main publication on the lymphatic system.” “Teichmann’s main scientific interest was in the lymphatic vessels and their origin, which he studied by means of an original injection method. He maintained that no direct communication exists between blood capillaries and lymphatics, and discovered the obstruction of lymphatic vessels in elephantiasis.” --DSB. The stunningly beautiful plates for this work were drawn by Roth or Peters and engraved by Wagenschieber or Loedel.

John Martin M.D. Endowment