Politzer and the Annamites

Abstract

Politzer in his ‘Geschichte der Ohrenheilkunde’ published in 1907 reported on an unusual belief among the Annamites that the ear is inhabited by a small animal which is responsible for hearing, tinnitus and ear wax. The origins of this report are explored and further information presented.

Key words::

• Adam Politzer
• Antony Landes
• Albert Sallet
• Max Bartels
• con ray
• traditional Vietnamese medicine

Acknowledgements

I am grateful to Rhiannon Stephens for helpful comments and suggestions in the preparation of this paper.

Declaration of interest: The author reports no conflicts of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of the paper.