[A medical student discovers onychomycosis].

When G. Meissner discovered the tactile bodies of the skin, he earned early fame. Yet he made further contributions to dermatology which have been forgotten such as the first description of onychomycosis. This took place when he was still a student in Göttingen. The circumstances of this discovery are told in the context of the medical history of that time, paying special attention to certain epidemiological aspects. Finally, a detailed account is given of Meissner's academic career.