Heinrich Hlasiwetz Austrian chemist Date of Birth: 07.04.1825 Country: Austria

1. Hermann Glassner: An Austrian Chemist and Educator
2. Early Life and Education
3. Early Career
4. Research and Teaching at Innsbruck
5. Professor of Chemical Technology and Agricultural Chemistry
6. Professor at the University of Vienna
7. Administrative Roles
8. Legacy and Contributions

Hermann Glassner: An Austrian Chemist and Educator

Hermann Glassner was an Austrian chemist and educator who made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, particularly in the study of plant substances.

Early Life and Education

Hermann Glassner was born in Austria as the son of an apothecary. He studied at the University of Jena, where he became a pupil of illustrious chemists such as Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner, Wilhelm Gottlieb Wackenroder, and Matthias Jakob Schleiden. Glassner subsequently dedicated his career to chemistry.

Early Career

In 1848, Glassner received his Master's degree in pharmaceutical sciences, followed by a Doctorate in chemistry the following year. He served as an assistant to Joseph Redtenbacher at the University of Prague from 1849 onwards.

Research and Teaching at Innsbruck

Glassner's groundbreaking research on plant substances, including essential oils, glucosides, and alkaloids of cinchona bark, earned him the position of Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at the University of Innsbruck. There, he established a chemical laboratory where he and his numerous students conducted extensive investigations on glucosides, resins, essential oils, alkaloids, urea compounds, and their derivatives, as well as analyses of various mineral waters.

Professor of Chemical Technology and Agricultural Chemistry

In 1867, Glassner became a Professor of Chemical Technology and Agricultural Chemistry at the Polytechnic Institute in Vienna (now Vienna University of Technology). In 1869, he was appointed Head of the Department of General and Analytical Chemistry at the same institute, continuing his research in his previous areas of interest.

Professor at the University of Vienna

Glassner moved to the University of Vienna in 1870, where he remained until his passing. During his later years, he focused on the study of proteins and conducted numerous experiments that shed light on this relatively unexplored field.

Administrative Roles

Glassner's reputation extended beyond his research. He served as Rector of the Vienna Technical University from 1872 to 1873 and headed the Department of Technical Universities within the Ministry of Education for the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1873. Despite receiving invitations to join other universities, he declined them and even rejected the position of successor to the renowned Justus von Liebig.

Legacy and Contributions

Hermann Glassner's contributions to chemistry included important discoveries in the analysis of quercitrin, phloroglucinol, resorcinol, and creosote. He is remembered for his dedication to advancing the understanding of chemical substances and for his exceptional musical abilities as a pianist.