Johann Beckmann (1739-1811) and Modern Chemical Technology

Abstract

Modern chemical technology, in the humanistic spirit of the Enlightenment, begins with Johann Beckmann (1739-1811). It followed pre-modern technologies associated with Cameralism and Chemia Applicata. Beckmann’s holistic approach to technology, expressed in “Anleitung zur Technologie” (1777) and “Entwurf einer Allgemeinen Technologie” (1806), also engages with economic, social, cultural and ethical problems, giving the term ‘technology’ a new meaning. Viewed with skepticism in his time, there was a revival of Beckmann’s ideas by Franz Exner (1840-1913) in 1878. Only in recent decades his contribution to technology was more extensively studied. Examples of Beckmann’s ideas are presented.

Keywords

• Johann Beckmann
• history of chemical technology
• practical chemistry before Beckmann
• cameralism and chemia applicata
• sugar industry
• refutation of criticism of technology