The scientific development in dermatology in Germany in relation to the emigration of Jewish dermatologists during national socialism

The anti-semitic laws let to the persecution of the Jews in Germany during the time of National Socialism. About 600 Jewish dermatologists had to suffer from the prohibition of their profession. 63% of them left Germany. The emigrants mainly preferred to move out to the U.S. The policy of coordination and elimination of the National Socialists led to the reappointment of dermatological chairs in universities. The National Socialists also forced the change in the boards of dermatological societies and the change of the editorial boards of dermatological journals. All papers of the three leading dermatological journals were analysed for the evaluation of the development of science. The assessment included the number of articles, the origin of the authors and the contents of articles (research, clinics, diagnostic, therapy). From 1933 to 1945 the number of papers per year decreased consequently, especially during the Second World War. During the whole time the number of German authors increased and the number of abroad living authors decreased. There was a very good and interesting international exchange of information in the journal "Archiv für Dermatologie und Syphilis". The activity reduced clearly after the beginning of the Second World War in 1939. The analysis of contents resulted in a reduction of basis science research and an orientation to the clinical research. Papers about therapeutical possibilities were always published. The emigration of Jewish dermatologists led to a continuous reduction of scientific activities and to an extensive international isolation.