Although it seems that gecko adhesion research is a relatively young branch of science, this recently rediscovered work presents some very old studies with quite remarkable findings. The publication of Dr. F. Weitlaner from 1902 is very impressive, as it covers many recently published topics and - even more impressively often comes to the same conclusions and provides similar results compared with current publications. Weitlaner published his paper in German which was - at that time - very common in science. This makes it almost impossible for today's international community of bioinspired adhesion researchers to enjoy and appreciate this early gem of scientific work. Thus, we have decided to translate his paper in the hope that it finds the attention it deserves and that it inspires us to stay curious and pursue answers to the questions which have been asked for over a century.