The Martin Heinrich Klaproth Collection

Martin Heinrich Klaproth (1743–1817) was one of the most important pioneers of modern chemistry at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. The discovery and confirmation of several chemical elements, in particular uranium, made him world-famous during his research career and ensured his renown as a scientist to this day. One focus of his research was the precise chemical analysis of minerals, a field in which he was one of the pioneers. After his death in 1817, Klaproth's mineral collection was purchased by the Prussian state for the University of Berlin and is now housed in the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin. The project aims to establish a link between these collection objects and his numerous publications.

A link between Klaproth's collection objects and publications has been established for 287 objects to date. These results are presented in the book “Uranentdeckung und Mineralanalysen - Die Sammlung Martin Heinrich Klaproth im Museum für Naturkunde Berlin.” Klaproth's original samples for the discovery of new elements and minerals, insofar as they are still available, are discussed in full. Other minerals and rocks examined by Klaproth supplement this list. For the minerals and rocks described, the book publication tells the stories behind them, interprets Klaproth's analytical work, and thus evaluates his scientific achievements in the field of mineral analysis from today's perspective.

Funding

• Freunde und Förderer des Museums für Naturkunde e. V.

• Förderkreis der naturwissenschaftlichen Museen Berlins e. V.

• Fachgruppe Mineralogie/Geologie am Museum für Naturkunde Berlin