RUPRECHT, Anton
* 14. 11. 1748, Smolník, Slovakia
† 6. 10. 1814, Vienna, Austria
Mineralogist, chemist
When R. began studying at the Mining Academy in Banská Štiavnica in 1772 he already had five years of work experience. He was particularly interested in chemistry, mineralogy and mining. After graduating he worked as a juror in Smolnik since 1774. On the basis of good academic and work success, mining administrative authority granted him a study tour to Sweden, Norway and other European countries between 1777 and 1779. During the tour he also studied under the famous chemist Torbern Olof Bergman. After his return home he was appointed professor of chemistry at the Mining Academy in Banská Štiavnica by the Royal Chamber of money and mining affairs in Vienna, where he succeeded Giovanni Antonio Scopolo. R. was alternately occupied by the mining science and chemistry, as well as forestry affairs and mining law.
Starting in 1780 he also held lectures on mineralogy and chemistry. At the Mining academy R. among other things addressed the mineralogical collection and systematically arranged it at the request of the Royal Chamber. The news on his collection reached far beyond the monarchy and R. could supplement the mineralogical cabinets of Padova, Milan and Paris from his inventory. In recognition of his merits the Royal Chamber appointed him mining councillor in 1780. His scientific research in the field of chemistry focused on mineral extraction from ores. His first work emerged from the lectures held in Sklene Teplice. In 1787 he successfully catalogued opal excavation in Dubnik and Červenica. In education and research, R. highly evaluated practical laboratory experimenting. In 1786 he built a new chemical laboratory in Belházyhaus in Banská Štiavnica. Other recognized European chemists and physicists such as Alessandro Volta visited this laboratory. R. has also worked closely with Ignác →Born. In 1792 the Royal chamber appointed him court councillor, transferring him to the Chamber of money and mining affairs in Vienna, where R. primarily dealt with legal and administrative matters.
