[Scientia - Humanitati - Patriae. Formation of the Society for Military Medicine in the Federal Republic of Germany].

: Since 1864 military medical associations have a long tradition in Germany that ended with World War II. The formation of the first society for military medicine after World War II and its early development from 1954 to 1968 is described. Considering aims, purpose, organizational structure and the results of the associations work, the early years of the societies existence have to be divided in three different phases; 1. association of former officers of the military medical service (1954-1957); 2. conceptual reorganization (1957-1961); 3. creation of a modern society for military medicine (1961-1968). During these phases the society developed from a small community of interest to a full medical association. In its early years the society exclusively dealt with the provision of former officers of the Wehrmacht's medical service. Over the years the society managed to extend its spectrum towards international cooperation, education and scientific support in the entire field of military medicine.