Scientific disciplines advance because knowledge is researched, taught and passed from one generation to the next. A new book by Prof. Dr Lothar Beyer honours the professors who shaped chemistry and mineralogy at Leipzig University.

What does the book document?

Short answer: Professuren für Chemie und Mineralogie an der Universität Leipzig documents the generations of professors who shaped chemistry at Leipzig University from 1668 and mineralogy from 1843 onwards.

• Author: Prof. Dr Lothar Beyer
• Publisher: Leipziger Universitätsverlag
• Publication date: 4 August 2026
• Length: 163 pages
• ISBN: 978-3-96023-723-5

The volume combines portraits with information about academic appointments, fields of work and historical laboratories. It covers the periods from 1668 to 1945, from 1945 to 1992 and the years since 1992. A separate chapter examines chemistry professorships associated with the life sciences, while an appendix records almost 300 people represented in the book.

Research, teaching and education belong together

A professorship carries responsibility for more than research results. Professors establish scientific fields, educate students and create the conditions in which future generations can make their own discoveries.

This is particularly important in chemistry. Lectures provide theoretical foundations, while laboratory education develops precision, safety awareness and respect for reproducibility. These qualities are passed on through practical work, discussion and the guidance of experienced teachers.

The influence of a professor therefore extends far beyond individual publications. It continues through students, research groups, scientific methods and academic traditions.

Preserving academic memory

Lothar Beyer’s book preserves an important part of Leipzig’s scientific history. It honours generations of professors, researchers and teachers whose work established the foundations on which chemistry and mineralogy continue to develop.

ChiroBlock made a contribution towards the printing costs as a gesture of respect for its academic place of education. The support is acknowledged in the opening pages, and Prof. Dr Lothar Beyer also expressed his appreciation in a personal letter. We receive this recognition with gratitude, while the lasting achievement belongs to the author and the many academics whose work the book records.

The volume reminds us that scientific knowledge is never created by one generation alone. It grows because people research, teach, question and share what they have learned.