Richard Cassirer

Richard Cassirer (April 23, 1868 - August 20, 1925) was a German neurologist who was born in Breslau. After receiving his medical doctorate in 1891 he became assistant at the psychiatric clinic in Breslau under Karl Wernicke (1848-1905). In 1893 he went to Vienna and continued his studies under Richard von Krafft-Ebing (1840-1902) and Heinrich Obersteiner (1847-1922). Later he became professor of Neurology at the University of Berlin where he worked closely with Hermann Oppenheim (1858-1919).

As a clinical neurologist, Cassirer specialized on the anatomy of the central nervous system and made contributions in his research of multiple sclerosis, encephalitis and poliomyelitis. He also published several works, including Lehrbuch der Nervenkrankheiten für Ärzte und Studierende, a textbook he wrote with Oppenheimer.

In 1921, Dr. Cassirer was asked to give testimony regarding the mental condition of Soghomon Tehlirian, who was accused of murdering Talaat Pasha. Cassirer maintained that Tehlirian was not sane when he carried out the crime because of his psychotic state caused as a result of his family being victims of a war-time massacre. Also Cassirer's portrait was painted by renowned artist Max Lieberman in 1918, and later presented to the Tate Gallery in London.

Reference

 * Biography and Details of the Trial of Soghomon Tehlirian
 * Pictures and life in context of his family