The supply of bodies to the Erlangen Institute of Anatomy during National Socialism

Goldmann T, Scholz M, Paulsen F, Schütz M, Dross F (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 264

Article Number: 152777

DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152777

Abstract

During the Nazi era, the Institute of Anatomy of what is now Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg received bodies from institutions involved in Nazi crimes. As the body register (Leicheneingangsbuch) from April 1933 to September 1946 is missing, the provenance of anatomical body procurement at Erlangen during this period and certain specimens within the anatomical legacy collection there have remained unclear. Archival material from municipal, state and national archives, university records, and the specimens themselves were examined. Primary sources were analysed to identify the scientific use of human remains from victims of National Socialism. Secondary literature was reviewed to contextualise findings within previous research. 391 people, whose bodies were brought to the Institute of Anatomy in Erlangen from 1933 to 1944, were counted, and for 323 of them names could be reconstructed. The bodies were delivered from hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, workhouses, and execution sites. Vulnerable groups – such as patients, forced labourers, and children – were affected. The Erlangen anatomical legacy collection contains 84 datable Nazi era histological specimens (1936–1942), including identifiable victims from Munich-Stadelheim prison. Personnel and institutional continuities existed after 1945. This study offers the first in-depth analysis of Erlangen’s anatomical body procurement during National Socialism, documenting identifiable Nazi victims. Although the original body register is missing, the findings demonstrate the need for systematic provenance research across all macroscopic and microscopic holdings and case-based investigations of identified individuals. The study provides a foundation for further, interdisciplinary research into the provenance and ethical reassessment of the anatomical collection in Erlangen.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Goldmann, T., Scholz, M., Paulsen, F., Schütz, M., & Dross, F. (2026). The supply of bodies to the Erlangen Institute of Anatomy during National Socialism. Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger, 264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aanat.2025.152777

MLA:

Goldmann, Tim, et al. "The supply of bodies to the Erlangen Institute of Anatomy during National Socialism." Annals of Anatomy-Anatomischer Anzeiger 264 (2026).

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