[Development of loss-of-limb coverage in private accident insurance].

The oldest known private accident insurance is recorded in the maritime law of Wisby of 1541. Defoe is the first to propose a compensation scale for loss of limbs in the 17th century. It is taken over in a modified character by all insurance companies being founded in Europe and North America since 1850. The structure of the present insurance conditions originates in the conditions of 1920. Since then the loss of the right and left upper limb is rated equally. The compensation scale is changed again in 1961, the loss of extremities is valued higher and the loss of sense of smelling and tasting is considered.