Max Joseph von Pettenkofer (1818-1901) studied chemistry and mineralogy at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He worked as an actor and joined the Munich medical faculty as a chemist. In his research, he gradually switched from inorganic chemistry to what is now biochemistry. In 1853, he became Professor of Chemistry and twelve years later a Professor of Hygiene. Pettenkofer remained a believer in miasmatic contagion. He is best known for his research on the epidemiology of cholera and typhus, which resulted in his crusade for pure water supplies. In 1901, he committed suicide.
- Medal
Bronze. Germany 1900. Signed. Lifetime.
- Size
50 mm
- Artist
Adolf von Hildebrand (1847-1921), German sculptor Adolf von Hildebrand (1847-1921), German sculptor and medallist; studied and worked in Germany and for a short time in Italy. (Forrer 2, 493)
- Obverse
Bearded head to left, at right of truncation, A ∙ H ∙ ; in a curve along edge above MAX V. PETTENKOFER ~ MDCCCC.
- Reverse
In the field, GEWIDMET /VON / DER DEVTSHEN / CHEMISCHEN / GESELLSCHAFT / 1850-1900 in six parallel lines, with a small v-shaped mark.
- Ref
Freeman 417; Storer 2803