Abstract

The institutionalization of cancer research in the German context was initiated by formation of the “Comité für Krebsforschung” (Committee for Cancer Research) in February 1900. One of the main actors in this connection was Ernst von Leyden (1832–1910), physician, clinician and head of the First Clinic of the Berliner Charité. This article investigates the essential conditions for the process of institutionalization and its further development in time. For this purpose, the concept of “resources” and a multi-level model of the public are applied. It becomes apparent that bacteriology as well as statistics and tuberculosis research were not deployed as scientific resources, but rather as instruments of science policy. The period of investigation comprises the later publications of Leyden, concerning the etiology of cancer, the foundation of the “Comité” and its expansion right up to the participation of its members in exhibitions, namely the “Internationale Hygiene-Ausstellung” (International Hygiene Exhibition) in Dresden 1911.