Experimentierfeld Balkan. Ärzte am Schauplatz der Balkankriege von 1912/1913
The Balkans as an Experimental Field. Physicians at the Location of the Balkan Wars (1912/1913)

Summary/Abstract: The participation of Austro-Hungarian physicians in the Balkan Wars of 1912/1913 led in the first place to increasing experience in the field of epidemiology and war surgery. The southeast of Europe was of particular interest for foreign physicians, hygienists and bacteriologists because of the unlimited opportunity to accomplish experiments in specific medical fields. During these wars the modern epidemic control was introduced, which had medical as well as military value, especially for the dual monarchy. In the Balkans the modern ways of combating epidemics resulted in mass immunizations against smallpox or cholera. Further these methods provided an insight into the new sector of epidemiology that was of high importance before the Great War. For this reason the physicians collected photographs and information about various diseases, which made a basis for further analysis and safety measures possible. In the same way the sanitary conditions of the warring states were studied and criticized. Special emphasis was put on the personal hygiene of the inhabitants. Moreover the illustrations of traditional medicine caused pejorative images of southeastern Europe and confirmed stereotypes. Eventually the involvement of medical students and physicians in the Balkan Wars was advantageous, because of their practical experience in various fields.

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