[Josef Weinlechner (1829-1906). Pioneer in Vienna pediatric surgery].

The history of paediatric surgery in Vienna has not been clearly documented so far, especially its development during the second half of the nineteenth century. Josef Weinlechner (1829-1906) is one of the outstanding paediatric surgeons in Vienna during this time. We present an overview of his biography, his position as head of the department of surgery at the St. Anna Children's Hospital, and also discuss his publications concerning various aspects of paediatric surgery. Of particular interest was the discovery of his application for the qualification of a postdoctoral lecturer ("Habilitation") in the archives of the University of Vienna. In this application, Weinlechner refers to his specialisation as that of a paediatric surgeon.