Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge (1794-1867) – An Unusual Chemist

Abstract

This paper presents life and work of Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge, an unusual chemist, ignored for a long time. There are discussed his researches in natural products and coal tar, the discovery of caffeine and priority claims on the discovery of quinine. Important industrial activities at the Oranienburg factory are described, including the ‘German guano’. Important issues are the discussion of alternative chemical theories by the anti-atomist Runge, as well as his occupation with the relation Chemistry-Art, expressed in his Musterbilder, also a forerunner of chromatography.

Keywords

• History of Chemistry
• Friedlieb F. Runge
• Phytochemistry
• Coal Tar
• Chemical Industry
• Alternative chemical theories