The emergence of clinical chemistry in the 19th century: presuppositions and consequences.
The practice of clinical chemistry began in Germany during the years 1831--42; the institutionalization of the subject started immediately afterwards in the period 1842--1846. These developments arose from: 1) a concern with 'Naturphilosophie' in the romantic era, 2) the influence of the so-called school of natural history in the clinic, 3) sporadic state support for a science-based higher education and 4) the scientific reductionism in Medicine during the 'Vormärz'-era in the German countries. After 1848, the new field did not expand until the late 1860's, but it stimulated developments in different scientific disciplines like animal, pharmaceutical and hygienic chemistry.
D002624:Chemistry, Clinical / Q000266:history*; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000266:history; D005858:Germany; D049672:History, 19th Century; D010686:Philosophy, Medical