Johann Beckmann German scientist who coined the term "technology" Date of Birth: 04.05.1739 Country: Germany

1. Johann Beckmann: The Father of Technology
2. Early Life and Education
3. Teaching Career in St. Petersburg
4. Return to Göttingen and Establishment of Technology
5. > "Beiträge zur Geschichte der Erfindungen" (1780-1805)
6. Influence and Legacy

Johann Beckmann: The Father of Technology

Johann Beckmann, a German scholar, is widely regarded as the father of technology. He coined the term "technology" to refer to the "science of crafts."

Early Life and Education

Beckmann was born on June 4, 1739, in Hoya, Germany. He studied theology, mathematics, physics, and natural sciences at the University of Göttingen. After graduating in 1762, he pursued research in Braunschweig and the Netherlands, exploring mines, factories, and natural history museums.

Teaching Career in St. Petersburg

In 1763, Beckmann became a teacher of natural history and physics at the Petri Schule in St. Petersburg. He left this position in 1765 and embarked on a journey through Denmark and Sweden, studying mining and manufacturing techniques.

Return to Göttingen and Establishment of Technology

In 1766, Beckmann was appointed professor at the University of Göttingen. He lectured on political and applied economics and founded a botanical garden based on the principles of Carl Linnaeus. In 1770, he became a full professor.

Beckmann's lectures emphasized the practical application of theoretical knowledge. He often took his students to workshops to demonstrate various crafts. Inspired by the lack of comprehensive information on practical arts, he compiled his landmark work:

> "Beiträge zur Geschichte der Erfindungen" (1780-1805)

This four-volume history of inventions and origins traced the origins and development of tools, utensils, and other devices used in crafts and households. It was translated into English as "History of Inventions, Discoveries and Origins" and remains a valuable resource in the field.

Influence and Legacy

Beckmann's approach to technology was innovative for the Enlightenment era. His work reflected the influence of Denis Diderot's "Encyclopédie" and Linnaeus's classification system. By classifying and analyzing technologies, Beckmann established the field of scientific technology.

Beckmann was elected to various scientific societies, including the Royal Society of Göttingen and the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. He was revered as a pioneer in the history of inventions and the founder of the science of technology.

Beckmann passed away on February 3, 1811, leaving a lasting legacy as the father of the field that continues to shape modern society.