Jessner, max

(¤ 1887, † 1978) Dermatologist. Max Jessner was born in Stolp/Pomerania as son of the well-known dermatologist Samuel Jessner. Studied medicine in Munich and Königsberg; dermatological training at the dermatological clinics in Breslau under Albert Neisser and in Bern under Joseph Jadassohn. In 1920 senior physician under Jadassohn, who moved to Breslau as successor to Albert Neisser. 1922 habilitation, 1926 extraordinary professorship. 1931 Successor to Josef Jadassohn at the chair in Breslau. 4 years later he was forced to resign because of his Jewish descent. His successor was H.A. Gottron, who was well liked by the National Socialist regime. Jessner emigrated first to Switzerland and in 1941 to New York. After finishing his scientific career Jessner moved to Switzerland and died there in 1978. Field(s) of research: Effects of Thorium X. The name Jessner is still mentioned today in connection with the lymphocytic infiltration of the skin, a clinical picture first described by Jessner and Kanof in 1953.