Johann Niclas Müller
Johann Niclas Müller (born July 23, 1669 in Erzenhausen ; † December 30, 1732 in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse ) was one of the most important technical innovators in the field of milling technology.
Life
Little is known about Johann Niclas Müller's childhood and youth. He probably spent his early years of apprenticeship and training as a miller in places that are now part of the community of Weilerbach . In 1693 he acquired the "Pfeifermühle" in Eulenbis from Daniel Jung . Due to uncertainties about whether the "owner" really owns his mill and whether he had the right to sell, the sale dragged on until 1700. Like his predecessor, he tried in vain to elevate his mill to a ban mill . In 1703 Müller married Luise Katharina Reisser (1687–1723): With her he had five children who survived. In the years between 1700 and 1719 he gradually improved the technology of power transmission in his mill, which is what it is today. Parts of the mill burned down in 1719 and 1721. It is assumed that hostile competitors were set on fire. Johann Niclas Müller had to sell the mill because he didn't have enough money to rebuild the mill. He died impoverished in Neustadt.
Historical meaning
In the history of the mill, Johann Niclas Müller is as important as Oliver Evans later . After the technology had changed little since the Middle Ages, the main achievement of Müller was to transmit power more efficiently. Whereas in older mills it was mainly transmitted by belts and ribbons, Müller replaced this with a complicated gear mechanism . He possibly got inspiration for this from large clockworks. This enabled him to use the power more efficiently even when little water flowed onto his mill wheel and had an economic advantage over his competitors. It was quickly copied, and so its technique spread without being associated with its name.
literature
- In short, Jakob: Technical Innovation in Milling in the 18th Century. In: Archives for the history of natural sciences and technology. 9th year (1920/22). Pp. 13-34.
- Turnus, Bert: Johann Niclas Müller (1669-1732) - a Palatine pioneer. Investigations into the development of milling in the Weilerbach area. In: Yearbook for West German State History, 3rd year 1977, pp. 78-103
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Müller, Johann Niclas |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | German miller, developed the mill technology further |
| DATE OF BIRTH | July 23, 1669 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Erzenhausen |
| DATE OF DEATH | December 30, 1732 |
| Place of death | Neustadt an der Weinstrasse |