The "Seligmann Fragments" and Beethoven’s Physicians

The Seligmann fragments, the presumed skull parts of Ludwig Van Beethoven, are being presented for the first time in the Josephinum in connection with Beethoven's doctors Johann Adam Schmidt and Johann Peter Frank. Beethoven, distraught over the progressive loss of his hearing, expressed a desire to inform posterity of his health ailments. 36 years after Beethoven's death, his mortal remains were reburied and medical examinations were carried out. In accordance with the cult of genius of the time, the composer’s skull in particular was examined. The physician Franz Romeo Seligmann was involved in this event. The pieces of skull bone, today called