Wenceslaus Johann Gustav Karsten

He was born Neubrandenburg but grew up with his grandfather in Güstrow where he attended high school. From 1750, he studied theology at the Universities in Rostock and Jena but also heard lectures on mathematics and philosophy. In 1754, he returned to Güstrow with the aim to become a priest. As he heard the University of Rostock was in need of a mathematician, he returned to the University of Rostock and also graduated in mathematics in February 1755. The same year, he lectured on mathematics at the same University. Not satisfied with his salary, he unsuccessfully applied as a teacher at high schools in Hamburg and Stettin. After in 1758 the professor of logic died, he was able to succeed him. == Professional career ==

In 1760, after a dispute between Frederick II, Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin and the University of the appointment of a new professor of theology, lead the former to establish a new University in Bützow. Karsten, who was paid by the Duke, had to teach at the new University. In 1764, he was offered an employment at the University of Helmstedt. In 1783, his assistant became Friedrich Albrecht Carl Gren, who would later become a prominent figure in the field of chemistry. Karsten is credited with raising chemistry to an equally accepted department beside the physics at the universities. Karsten died in 1787. == References ==