Plaque commemorating Eduard Albert

Dating: 1908

Annotation:

This commemorative plaque marks the birthplace of Eduard Albert, the renowned physician and surgeon, scientist and patron of Czech science and culture. He was born in this house to the family of the watchmaker František Vojtěch Albert in 1841. His stepbrother Václav Kumpošt, the founder of Vesmír (Space) magazine, also grew up in the same place.

Description:

The birthplace of this prominent surgeon and anatomist now features a commemorative plaque with biographical details, designed by František Rous and the Ducháček brothers. It was installed back in 1908, eight years after the death of Eduard Albert, who during his life became a highly respected figure not only in Žamberk and the surrounding area. He was the head of surgery in Innsbruck and in Vienna, a professor, the author of many medicine-related works and especially a great patron and supporter of everything Czech. Although he spent most of his life outside Bohemia, he never forgot his homeland and did everything he could to support it, particularly during the second half of his life. This ranged from supporting Czech students at universities in Austria and aiding Czech poets, through to defending Czech political interests in the Austrian parliament. Besides medicine, he also made a name for himself in culture by popularising the works of Czech poets, when he published a four-part anthology of Czech literature in Vienna. 

Connected places: Vila Eduarda Alberta v Žamberku; Edaurd Albert

Keywords: history of natural sciences; physician; surgery; patron; poet

References:

KOKEŠOVÁ, H.: Eduard Albert: (1841–1900), český intelektuál ve Vídni. Praha 2014, 319 s.

Author's initials: PH

Photos:

Albert's memorial plaque (Author: PH)