Johann Lukas Schönlein, Physician

* November 30, 1793 in Bamberg
† January 23, 1864 in Bamberg

After studying science and medicine in Landshut and Würzburg, Johann Lukas Schönlein did his doctorate at the JMU in 1816. After two practical years outboards he finally qualified as a professor at the JMU in 1817. At first, he taught there as a private lecturer, later as a professor of special pathology and therapy until 1832. In addition, he was hospital director of the Juliusspital. Due to political disagreements Schönlein had to emigrate to Zurich where he taught until 1839. After that, it drew him to Berlin into service under King Frederick William IV of Prussia. He was a professor at the university and at the same time personal physician of the king. In 1859, Johann Lukas Schönlein retired. Among his life-time achievements was above all the reformation of medical diagnostics and the recognition of tuberculosis as an independent disease as well as the discovery of “Purpura Schönlein-Henoch” (now known as IGA vasculitis) and the first description dermatomycosis. Beside his work as a physician Schönlein was also known as paleobotanist.

His home in Würzburg was at Domerschulstraße 13.