Rüze, C. F.

One of the broadest scholarly minds at the University of Göttingen during the eighteenth century, Johann Beckmann helped establish the theoretical basis for scientific agriculture in Germany and pioneered a rational approach to technological innovation and government.

Born at Hoya, Hanover, on June 4, 1739, Beckmann studied theology at Göttingen, but soon abandoned the ministry in favor of the natural sciences. At the invitation of Anton Friedrich Büsching, he accepted a position to teach natural history at the Lutheran academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1763, however when Büsching left only two years later, Beckmann did as well. Returning to Germany by way of Scandinavia, where he met with Linnaeus, Beckmann was appointed Extraordinarius in Philosophy at his alma mater in 1763, transferring to the chair in rural economy seven years later.

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