Antonius Merkel and Carolus Raissinger: Disputes Re- Garding the Medical Treatment of Patients in Sombor in 1775

Abstract

This paper presents several documents kept in the archive of the city of Sombor in the fund of the Magistrate of the Free Royal City 1749-1918, which refer to an interesting case of an attempt to challenge the treatment given to two patients by the city surgeon, Antonius Merkel. The lawsuit was filed by another doctor, Carl Reitzinger, accusing his colleague of excessive treatment costs and the use of certain medication. Although the attached documents do not shed light on the conclusion of the dispute, one gets the impression that Antonius Merkel successfully justifies his actions. The transcribed and translated documents provide significant insight into the nature of medical treatment in Sombor in the second half of the 18th century.