Johann Heinrich August von Duncker

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Duncker memorial in Rathenow
Birthplace in Rathenow

Johann Heinrich August Duncker (born January 14, 1767 in Rathenow ; † June 14, 1843 there ) was a German optical industrialist.

Duncker, son of a pastor, began studying theology in Halle in 1786 . Three years later, in 1789, he returned to Rathenow after successfully completing his studies. There he produced microscopes and glasses in the rectory and sold them from around 1790.

On March 10, 1801, together with the garrison pastor Samuel Christoph Wagener, he opened the royally privileged optical industrial establishment , which later became the Rathenower Optical Works (ROW). Duncker invented the multiple grinding machine , which he also patented. This invention made the production of the required lenses much easier, so that even the young school leavers he later hired could work in production without great physical effort. The frequent grinding machine as well as the development of his institute - which was promoted in particular by his son Eduard and his grandson Emil Busch - laid the foundation for the development of the city of Rathenow as an optical industrial location and gave it the honorary name City of Optics, which still exists today .

In 1820 Duncker fell ill with nerve fever, probably typhus, and lived in Rathenow until his death on June 14, 1843, in a state of mental derangement. After his illness, his son Eduard took over his father's business at the age of 23. In 1845 Eduard left the management of the company to his nephew Emil Busch. Both were forced to keep the company competitive through structural and technological changes.

literature

personal data
SURNAME Duncker, Johann Heinrich August von
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Duncker, Johann Heinrich August
BRIEF DESCRIPTION German optician
DATE OF BIRTH January 14, 1767
PLACE OF BIRTH Rathenow
DATE OF DEATH June 14, 1843
Place of death Rathenow