[First research work by Robert Koch on etiology of anthrax-in cooperation with Józef Knechtel, Polish apothecary].

Terroristic attack on United States of America 11 September 2001 and just after many cases of anthrax spores employment as biological warfare called our attention to Robert Koch. He determined anthrax etiology and enclosed it in his first research work: Die Aetiologie der Milzbrand-Kranheit begrundet auf die Entwicklungsgeschichte des Bacillus Anthracis. The results of this research are widely described. In the scientific researches participated J. Knechtel, Pole, pharmacist, pharmacy owner in Wolsztyn. His adjacent laboratory near pharmacy was provided with microscope, camera, table and two chairs. Many slides and above mentioned article / without J. Knechtel as joint author/were the results of this findings. About cooperation Pole with R. Koch we found out from two letters doctor Brinkmann' s authorship and three reports explored by A. Skrobacki in Central Register Office in Merseburg. The objects mentioned above were delivered by J. Knechtel's widow as the gift to Institute of Infectious Diseases in Berlin in 1905. Robert Koch' s cooperation with a Polish pharmacist was concealed. It was caused by a historic background and the policy of Prussia - an invader state in relation to Polish people. The official demonstration of cooperation with a Polish pharmacist under these circumstances could not take place.