Hydrogen peroxide, from Wieland to Sies

A history of the formation of hydrogen peroxide in vivo is presented, starting with the discovery of catalase. The first hypothesis was formulated by Heinrich Wieland, who assumed that dioxygen reacted directly with organic molecules. This view was strongly criticised by Otto Warburg, Helmut Sies' academic grandfather. The involvement of hydrogen peroxide in physiological processes was investigated by Theodor Bücher, the “Doktorvater” of Helmut. Helmut's research made it possible to quantitate hydrogen peroxide in tissues.