All Guides: Center for the History of Microbiology/ASM Archives (CHOMA): Poster Session: History of Microbiology

Poster Session: History of Microbiology

The Center for the History of Microbiology/ASM Archives (CHOMA) sponsored the inaugural History of Microbiology Poster Session at the American Society for Microbiology 2014 General Meeting (asm2014). History Poster Sessions have been held at each successive annual meeting (meeting name changed to Microbe in 2016) in the following years.

MOVING GENES: TOBACCO MOSAIC VIRUS AND DISEASE RESISTANCE, 1930-1950

List of History of Microbiology Posters- 2025

POSTER 1 OF 2

Dr. Ferdinand Hadvig as the Forgotten Hero of Early Vaccination in Europe: Lessons from Croatia's Battle Against Smallpox for Modern Immunology

Tomislav Mestrovic1, I. Jurak2, I. Bozicevic3, S. Obranic1, V. Novak1, V. Vincek1, Z. Zezelj1, M. Krizaj Grabant1, T. Kosanski1, R. Ribic1, M. Neuberg1; 1University North, Varazdin, Croatia, 2University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia, 3University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract:

Dr. Ferdinand Hadvig, a surgeon and early advocate for vaccination in Croatia, holds a distinguished place in the history of vaccinology. After completing his medical studies in Prague in 1791, Hadvig initiated a vaccination campaign against smallpox in Jastrebarsko the same year. It seems that this significant effort predates Edward Jenner’s first recorded smallpox vaccination in England by five years, challenging established narratives about the origins of vaccination in Europe. For that purpose, we have conducted a detailed analysis of archival records on the topic, available in the Croatian State Archives, National and University Library in Zagreb and Andrija Štampar School of Public Health in Croatia, Europe. Additionally, we pursued detailed content analysis of both previously published and grey sources on the subject. The primary focus was on documents related to Hadvig’s vaccination activities in 1791 and the broader context of smallpox prevention in Croatia. We have found that historical records preserved in the Croatian State Archives, specifically Protocol 30/32 of the Zagreb County Assembly dated August 3, 1791, basically document Hadvig’s proposal to vaccinate individuals who had not yet contracted smallpox. This initiative included securing informed consent from mothers, educating them on vaccination, as well as providing the service free of charge. The work of Croatian historian Lelja Dobronic, as published in 1999, brought attention to these groundbreaking efforts, supported by archival evidence and historical accounts. The findings confirm that Hadvig’s vaccination efforts were among the earliest recorded in Europe, actually predating Jenner’s work and highlighting a pivotal, although underrecognized chapter in the history of immunology. In addition, these activities underscore the advanced understanding of disease prevention and public health practices in 18th-century Croatia. Hadvig’s contributions demonstrate not only his medical expertise but also his commitment to public health, as he sought to mitigate the devastating impact of smallpox through proactive measures and community engagement. His approach to preventive medicine exemplifies remarkable foresight and aligns with principles that remain relevant in modern vaccinology - and it also offers valuable insights into the history of public health and the fight against communicable diseases.

POSTER 2 OF 2

Who Introduced Agar to the Lab?

Authors: Dave Westenberg1, Corrado Nai2; 1Biological Sciences, Missouri S&T, Rolla, MO, United States, 2Independent Scholar and Science Writer, Jakarta, Indonesia.

Abstract: Fanny Angelina Hesse (1850-1934) introduced agar to microbiology [1-2] but, sadly, not many people know her story. We have shared a survey [3] amongst colleagues in the microbiology/life sciences (as well as amongst the general public) and found that only 38.9% respondents (n = 285, 17 January 2025) have heard about her before while 98.2% have heard about agar. 79.6% of respondents work or have worked with agar (or a derivative, like agarose) on a regular basis. Of all respondents, 59.2% have heard about Julius Petri (who invented the namesake dishes) and 98.6% have heard about Petri dishes. Respondents are widely spread amongst five continents (46.2% Europe, 20.6% Asia, 15.7% North America, 9.8% Africa, 5.6% Central and South America, 2.1% Oceania) Our results confirm the fact that Fanny Angelina Hesse, whose 175th birthday is on 22 June 2025, isn't widely known (even amongst microbiologists) despite her crucial contribution for microbiology. We plan to leave this survey open for at least the whole year of 2025 to get many more responses, including from those attending this presentation! Our survey can be found at this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1N3duKJe33cxBD0BjNM-d5M-zs8uKSAT_O03VEUb7c_M/ In this presentation we also wish to present plans to remember and celebrate the essential contribution of Fanny Angelina Hesse. Currently, a graphic novel in the genre of biography/science comic/history is being developed [4]. The format of the graphic novel is intended to appeal to the general audience. Microbiologists, too, will be interested to discover more about this forgotten story. The story is based on newly emerged historical material resurfaced by Corrado Nai with the help of the great-grandchildren of Fanny Angelina Hesse, including her never-before-seen scientific illustrations [5]. We have deposited this historical material at the Museum of the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin [6] for posterity.