Tuberculosis archive

The German Tuberculosis Archive (DTA ) was founded in 1996 in Fulda by the pulmonologist Dr. Robert Kropp and has been located in the Rohrbacher Schlösschen on the grounds of the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg since 2011. Over the years, a large number of medically valuable exhibits on the subject of tuberculosis have been collected with great dedication.

Literature, X-ray images, rare pathological-anatomical specimens, moulages, old photographs, films, etc. were made available by pulmonary sanatoriums, specialist clinics, health authorities, other museums and private collections.

The library contains around 7000 monographs and periodicals on the subject of tuberculosis. The exhibition rooms are arranged according to different focal points.

The discovery of the tuberculosis pathogen by Robert Koch in 1882 and the development of effective antibiotics around 1950 are considered milestones in the history of tuberculosis. This paved the way for effective treatment of the disease, which until then had been considered incurable. In the mid-18th century, tuberculosis was a widespread epidemic of devastating proportions. Statistical surveys, illustrations and moulages from the 19th century clearly show the effects of the disease. Historical objects (e.g. the "Blue Henry" spittoon, the "Silent Nurse", a thermometer that could only be read by a doctor) and numerous photographs take us back to the time of sanatoriums and tuberculosis care. Surgical equipment and instruments as well as historical x-rays illustrate the surgical treatment approaches. Bovine tuberculosis, which played a major role in Germany until the 1950s, is also documented. The spread of M. bovis via milk and the corresponding clinical pictures are illustrated with animal specimens and moulages.

The long suffering and hopelessness of those suffering from tuberculosis were immeasurable. Contemporary testimonies from all areas of art (painting, poetry, music) illustrate this.

The museum provides visitors with a good historical overview of the achievements in the fight against tuberculosis.