Forensic Medicine and the Medical School of the University of Zagreb (1922–1945)

Abstract

In this paper, the author analyses the position of forensic medicine at the Medical School of the University of Zagreb, focusing on the 1922–45 period. He also sketches the development of forensic medicine before the founding of the school. Emphasis is placed on significant events, such as the introduction of forensic medicine at the Faculty of Law of the University of Zagreb and the opening of the Pathology Unit of the Public Health Institutions of the City of Zagreb. After this, the author analyses the development of forensic medicine from the founding of the Medical School to the launching of the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Criminalistics. With the help of available literature and archival materials, the author has attempted to reconstruct the most important guidelines in the development of forensic medicine at the School of Medicine from 1922 to 1945. Financial troubles, a lack of adequate teaching cadres, and the complex sociopolitical situation greatly slowed the development of forensic medicine at the newly-founded school and characterised this period. A prominent role in introducing forensic medicine to the school was played by Ljudevit Jurak and Ernst Miller, who taught there from 1922 to 1932. Eduard Miloslavić took the leading role afterwards. He was appointed professor of forensic medicine in 1932, and in 1933 founded what is now the Institute of Forensic Medicine and Criminalistics. His arrival marked the launching of a systematic scientific-educational development of forensic medicine. Despite all problems, Miloslavić successfully secured a premises for the new Institute,  launched the first laboratories, and acquired the needed equipment. Miloslavić left the Institute in 1944 and was succeeded by Ante Premeru in 1945.