Competition for the Chair for Pharmacology at the University of Dorpat in 1882 between Hans Horst Meyer and Gustav von Bunge

The study focuses on the first position held by pharmacologist Hans Horst Meyer (1853–1939) 1 as a professor of pharmacology, dietetics, and history medicine at University Dorpat (today, Tartu University, Estonia) from 1882 to 1884. is known founder pharmacology an independent academic discipline in Vienna (Austria). 2 He competed with well-known physiologist Gustav Piers Alexander von Bunge (1844–1920) for chairman department 1881. was given instead (1844–1929). outcome competition raises several research questions: why allocated chair 1881; which arguments spoke favour what against him, Bunge; historical events influenced university life Dorpat; under political ideological currents decision new made. Events such Russification assassination II (1818–1881) significantly impacted teaching 1875 1885. During that period, both professors formed basis their outstanding careers. arti- cle provides biographical analysis based Meyer’s files University’s archive. Since his chairholder, biography has also been studied, contextualising it significant changes organisation Dorpat. Individual achievements scholars have identified listed using platforms Web Science, Neurotree, pharmacological journal “Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives Pharmacology”, Online Books Page, WorldCat. Afterward, conclusions about individual scientific portfolios two applicants chair- man Finally, contributing factor successful application identified.