Georgius Agricola (1494–1555): Scholar, Physician, Scientist, Entrepreneur, Diplomat

Extract

The second half of the 15th century marks the births of a number of personalities who have shaped what we consider modern times: Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), Erasmus of Rotterdam (1469–1536), Nicolas Copernicus (1473–1543), Martin Luther (1483–1546), Paracelsus (1493–1541), and Georg Bauer (1494–1555), to name a few.

Bauer was born in Glauchau, Saxony, as the son of a prosperous clothier. He attended the University of Leipzig, Saxony, from 1514 to 1517, originally with the intent of becoming a priest. One of his professors, Mosellanus, a former student of the great humanist, Erasmus, may have enticed Bauer to study ancient languages and become a teacher instead. During this time, according to the scholarly tradition of his days, Bauer Latinized his name to Georgius Agricola.

His first assignment was at the public school in Zwickau, Saxony, where he advanced rapidly to vice-principal and principal. In this capacity he reformed the curriculum thoroughly, transforming the religion-oriented school into a modern educational institution.