AGRICOLA, Georg, German scholar by the name of GEORG BAUER, better known under its Latin version: b. Glauchau, Saxony, 24 March 1494; d. Chemnitz, Saxony, 21 Nov. 1555. He began his studies in the University of Leipzig in 1514, from which he graduated in 1517 with the degree of B.A. During the next two years he was first vice-principal, then prin cipal, of the Municipal School at Zwickau. In 1524 he began a two years' study of medicine, philosophy and natural sciences at various uni versities in Italy. In 1527 he was appointed town physician at Joachimstal, Bohemia. Three years later he resigned this position to travel. After another three years of wandering he ac cepted the position of city physician at Chem nitz, where he remained until his death. Soon after he began writing and publishing the books which made him famous. Of these the most noteworthy is 'De Re Metallica,' consisting of 12 volumes, covering mining, metallurgy and ge ology, was completed in 1850 and went to press three years later. Originally written in Latin, it was later translated tnto German, Italian and English, the latter version being published in 1912, in the Mining Magasine of London. This
work was for 180 years the standard guide of all metallurgists, until the publication of Schluter's work in 1738. It is the first work of this nature based on actual research and ex perimental work, instead of the imaginative speculations of the alchemists. In 1546z peared Natura Fossilium.) which ranks almost as high as 'De Re Metallica.' This work comprised 10 volumes on mineralogy and is the first attempt at systematic classification. 'De Ortu et Causis Subterraneorum' appeared in 1546 and includes five volumes on geology. In 1530 he published his first work on mining. Aside from these, his chief works, he wrote copiously on the same and kindred subjects. In 1546 Agricola, at the request of Duke Maurice, entered public life in a diplomatic and advisory capacity. Though a Catholic himself, he was elected a Burgher by the Protestant electors of Chemnitz, and in the same year was appointed Burghermeister. During the Schmalkaldic war he was sent on various missions to Emperor Charles, King Ferdinand of Austria and other potentates.