—Private and Confidential?—
Patient: Frau Ada Schäfer
Date: 17 April 1942
Rx_______
Luminal (Phenobarbital)
15 mg tablets
Summary: To alleviate symptoms of chronic insomnia and hormonal imbalance caused by Neurasthenia Nervosa. The patient reports restlessness and stress regarding failed conception. Recommend quiet rest and avoidance of stimulants. Consider marital support.
Instructions: Take 1 tablet nightly before sleep for ten days.
Refills: 1 (by practitioner)
Signature: F. Rosenbaum
My hand trembles as I hold the paper, repeating the date: 17 April 1942 in my head. The words blur for a second as my mind tries to make sense of this. I shouldn’t read more—but my fingers move before my thoughts steady. I reach down to replace the script beneath the photographs, tucking it neatly back into place. My stare lingers. It shouldn’t. I’ve seen too much already.
A second paper by the same medical office—the top left corner is peeking out from below other papers.
No.
No.Just leave it.
Close the drawer.There’s no hint of first aid in this mess.
I can’t. I need to know…I slide out the letterhead typed paper from the pile and unfold it the rest of the way to read what’s written.
Dr. Franz Rosenbaum
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Tychy Women’s Clinic
Tychy, Poland
Patient: Frau Ada Schäfer
CONFIDENTIAL CLINICAL FINDINGS
Date of Examination: 28 August 1942
Fertility Evaluation – Results:
After several consultations and a comprehensive reproductive evaluation, Frau Ada Schäfer, thirty-two years of age, has been diagnosed with Secondary Infertility. The patient has previously carried two pregnancies to full term, a daughter born in 1933, and a second daughter born in 1938 without complications prior to delivery. Despite consistent attempts over the previous two years, conception has not occurred.
Suspected Causes:
Clinical infection post-delivery following the birth of the patient’s second daughter. Scar tissue formation is likely the cause.
Recommendations:
No current intervention recommended due to health risks.
Physician’s Note:
