Geschichte des chemischen Laboratoriums zu Wiesbaden 1873

This is the title page of "The History of the Chemical Laboratory of Wiesbaden," published in 1878 by C.W. Kreidel's Verlag. It commemorates the 25th anniversary of the laboratory founded by Dr. Carl Remigius Fresenius, whose portrait and signature are on the facing page. Fresenius's laboratory was a private institution, one of many that arose in 19th century Germany. These laboratories played a crucial role in the development of modern chemistry, offering training and research opportunities outside the traditional university system. Wiesbaden, a spa town, attracted wealthy individuals seeking cures, creating a demand for chemical analysis of mineral waters, which the lab provided. The book itself is a product of its time, reflecting the growing importance of science and technology in German society, and the commercial opportunities that came with it. It speaks to the rise of scientific institutions outside of traditional academia and is a reminder of the complex interplay between scientific advancement, economic forces, and social needs. Understanding this requires us to look into archival sources to see what the laboratory meant for the region’s economy.