[Anatomist, Anti-Abortionist, Anti-Darwinian. The three lives of Erich Blechschmidt (1904–1992)].

Abstract

The so called "Blechschmidt-Collection" in Goettingen is internationally presented as a masterpiece of German anatomical and embryological research after 1945. Compiled by anatomist Erich Blechschmidt (1904–1992), the collection's pieces are supposed to be ethically unobjectable. However, the embryos used for the collection have an obscure and dubious history. Blechschmidt is also well known for his infamous role in the Thalidomide/Contergan-trial, during which he claimed, Thalidomide would not have any negative effect on embryos. Later in his life, he became a vehement opponent of Evolution theory and disputed the right for abortion. His example may serve as one of many university professors in his generation who were appointed during the later years of the nazi regime, quickly regained their position after 1945 and continued their former research. Until now, this group did not receive appropriate scrutiny from critically minded historians.