THE CHEMICAL SECTION OF THE DEUTSCHES MUSEUM* W~LHELM PRANDn, UNNERSITYOX MUNICE,MUNlCR. GERMANY
In the February, 1929, issue of THISJOURNAL, Ralph E. Oesper has described "What a Chemist May See in Europe." He sketched for the chemical traveler a general survey of all Europe, citing the localities of interest either because of their current importance or historic significance. Few travelers will be able to visit the numerous countries, cities, laboratories, and investigators he mentioned. If a choice must be made, the traveler would naturally select the place where there is most to see and where a general view may be had of the entire field. Fortunately, there is such a place which offers all of this and more, namely, "Das Deutsches Museum fur Meistemerke der Naturzuissenschaft und Technik" in Munich. This is usually referred to as the "Deutsches Museum" and this paper will deal with its chemical section. The Museum was founded in 1903 a t the instigation of Oskar von Miller (Figure 1) and under his active guidance it has developed into the largest and finest scientific-technological museum in the world. The building in which the collections are exhibited was begun in 1906 and opened in 1925 (Figure 2). The basic idea of tl@nuseum is to demonstrate the development of science and industrial a&. I t is to be a living history of the investigative and inventive spirit of all times and all peoples, showing in various ways the influence of scientific research upon technology, a hall 01 fame for those whose thoughts and deeds have so largely molded our present civilization, a source of historic understanding far scholars, a mine of fruitful ideas for the technologist, an example and incentive for all the people. ?
The name "Deutsches Museum" does not signify that its purpose is to demonstrate the development of science and technology in Germany alone, but only signifies that the Museum is a creation of the German nation. All peoples and all times are represented in its collections. That most of the exhibits are of German origin is due not so much to the important part played by the German people in the development of science and industry, as it is to the fact that such specimens were most available. If an American visitor should feel that any important American discovery or invention is not properly represented and wishes to remedy this situation, the Museum authorities will appreciate and welcome his cooperation. This fundamental principle of universality applies, of course, to the Chemical Section which occupies fourteen rooms on the second floor of the west wing. The first rooms are fitted up as laboratories representative of various epochs and contain characteristic apparatus. Samples of preparations discovered in each period are on display. The apparatus, vessels, preparations, etc., are, in many instances, originals. Only when these were not obtainable were facsimiles made following old cuts and prescriptions.
* Translated by Ralph E. Oesper, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati. 762
VOL. 7, No. 4 CHEMICAL SECTION OF DEUTSCHES MUSEUM
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