History of pharmacology: 1—the Department of Pharmacology of the University of Tartu (Dorpat): genealogy and biographies

The purpose of this article is the historical survey of the foundation and development of pharmacology in Tartu (Dorpat), Estonia. Pharmacology was founded in Tartu by Naunyn, Buchheim, and Schmiedeberg. Genealogy and biographies including selected references of pharmacologists and pupils, who acted from the very beginning to today as directors of the Department of Pharmacology, as well as its successor, the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, are presented and commented. This history also illustrates the conditions that are important for the development of new scientific areas. It is not a central geographical location or a formal “center of excellence” with lots of financial resources but rather brilliant researchers with the right spirit and vision and academic freedom. The implications of the early history of pharmacology for the future of science are discussed.