[Johann Georg Heine's motive for leaving Wurzburg at the height of his success].

In historical research it has been unclear until now, why J.G. Heine rather unexpectedly left Würzburg in 1828. After the evaluation of new sources it is assumed today, as opposed to past oppinion, that it was due less to an "unexpected withdrawal" psychologically decompensating, angered personality, but rather a long-planned and consequent decision by Heine, determined primarily by adverse external circumstances, with which he had to come to terms with. Deciding factors included personal hostilities, inadequate academic recognition as an orthopaedist and as a pioneer in his new field, as well as only negligible governmental funding for his Institute, which was undergoing financial difficulties.