PIK, Jakob
* 1806, Częstochowa, Poland
† 11. 1. 1897, Warsaw, Poland
manufacturer of instruments, optician
P. came to Warsaw in 1826 with his father, where the latter was involved in „Nowa kosmodrama narodowa”. P. attended the Jewish School for Rabbis and Teachers, and later began practicing at the Optical Institute for Mechanics and Opticians, which was managed by Mateusz Otton Bachman from St. Petersburg. From 1844 onwards, P. ran this company, and in 1845 also bought it. He specialised in cutting optical glass, and added a mechanical and optical department to the company. He took over the manufacture of meteorological instruments and measuring devices from Antonio Magiera. He manufactured various optical instruments, such as spectacles, microscopes, and binoculars. He was occupied with constructing measuring devices and geodesic devices, as well as surgical instruments and other medical devices.
From 1847 onwards, his company was allowed to use the national coat-of-arms, and in 1871 obtained the title "supplier to the University of Warsaw".
To educate himself further, P. travelled across Europe in 1855 and visited numerous optical and mechanical workshops, run by his colleagues. He also attended world exhibitions in London, Paris, Vienna, and Philadelphia. At the exhibitions, he received a total of 26 medals and awards. With free visits and public lectures between 1869 and 1874, P. contributed to the physics section with astronomical, physical and chemical instruments, as well as collections of minerals, insects, birds, and anatomical preparations. He purchased a large electrifying device, which he made available for use free of charge. P. was also devoted to educating mechanics and opticians.
In 1886, P. withdrew from the company and handed it over to his son, Michał.
