Since 1947, the "European League Against Rheumatism" has been committed to raising awareness of the condition and conducting medical research into its treatment. At initially irregular congresses, scientists and doctors exchanged the latest findings and treatment methods.

During the ninth European Congress of Rheumatology on September 2, 1979, the presidium of the conference was received by Lord Mayor Schmitt in the ballroom of the town hall.

He praised the commitment of the participants to the well-being of the European population and particularly emphasized the transnational cooperation. The President of the Association, Eric George Lapthorne Bywaters, thanked the Mayor for his friendly welcome and then signed the city's Golden Book together with the Federal Minister of Health, Antje Huber.