Abstract

In the 19th and early 20th century the history of sciences was characterized by a constant increaseing of scientific illustration connected with a broad discussion about the function and the status of these pictures. In respect of the success of photography this dispute entered into questioning the importance of drawing for the perception and the scientific knowledge. The history of drawing-lessons and of the scientific drawers at German universities reflects the idea of the unique value of drawing for sciences: for visual communication and understanding. The different qualities of photography and drawing have been discussed as well by human as by natural scientists. In this context drawing was considered to be a tool in its own right besides photography. The present text reconstructs this discussion in regard of the drawers und design-teachers at the universities presenting material of several archives