Robert Koch (1843-1910), German physician and one of the founders of bacteriology. He discovered the anthrax disease and confirmed transmission process (1876). His work on bacteria responsible for tuberculosis (1882) and cholera (1883) are classic. He investigated the cholera outbreak in Egypt and studied this disease in India. The rules to control epidemics he formulated are the basis of methods used today. His work on tuberculin to cure tuberculosis was unsuccessful, but his other discoveries in regard to tuberculosis brought him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1905.
- Medal
Bronze, Germany 1890, Signed. Lifetime. Commemorating Koch’s work on tuberculosis from the discovery of the tubercle bacillus in 1882 to the introduction of tuberculin in 1890.
- Size
50mm
- Artist
Wolfgang Lauer, German medallist associated with the Ludwig Christopher Lauer die-sinking establishment in Nurnberg (1729-1924), responsible for many medals issued in this family workshop after 1883 (Forrer 3, 325)
- Obverse
Clothed bust facing slightly to right, wearing spectacles; in a curve above, R•KOCH•MEDICUS•DOCTRINA•AC •MODESTIA • AEQUE • EXCELLENS; the whole within a bead circle
- Reverse
A burning antique lamp; beneath, in the six parallel lines, TUBERCULOSIS• / ORIGINEM • INDAGAVIT• / INVENIT • SUSTULIT• / GOSSLERI•AUSPICIIS• / •ANNIS• / 1882-1890; below, a laurel branch, beneath branch, in minute letters, LAUER; the whole within a beaded circle
- Ref
Galst IV.224; Freeman 277; Storer 1921
