Marisia - Maros Megyei Múzeum Évkönyve 31/2. (2011)
Paleontology
Collections and collectors: the Samuel von Brukenthal mineral collection example, of the political pragmatism, of philosophical openness and of the habit to set up an artistic and literary environment. In his work of 1778 — “Beitrag zur Mineralgeschichte von Siebenbürgen” (“Contribution to the history of minerals in Transylvania”), Fichtel, a thesaurus clerk, would regretfully point out the absence of minerals from his collections in Transylvania. Therefore at that time, Brukenthal did not have a mineral collection yet. In the same paper, Fichtel expresses his appreciation of Brukenthal’s library and noticed “this learned country leader is now considering a natural collection within his library ... what an inspiring example”. Fichtel’s paper, the research undergone by Reichenstein - who discovered tellurium - all fostered Brukenthal’s activity as minerals’ collector and collector of mineralogical literature. In 1790 the library included 13,000 books in various fields of history, philosophy, theology and mineralogy. These volumes had been brought from cities like Jena, Flalle and other cultural centers of France, Switzerland, etc. during the times when Brukenthal was student. The richness and diversity of library books, special scientific value, showed that the action occurred happened after the acquisition of scientific methods. Around Brukenthal was constituted a circle of Enlightenments. One of them Johann Flitsch developed a scientific society with a science department. All of the group’s Brukenthal appeared first scientific journals and publishers in Romania today, “Siebenbürgische Quartalschift” published in 1790 and articles had appeared in the natural sciences (Göllner, 1977, p.61; Gündisch, 1987, p. 405). His struggle to improve the exploitation of the land richness for the benefit of the state budget and the encouragement the Viennese collections would provide, gave a scientific direction to his preoccupation for minerals. The complexity of the mineralogical books collection from the library revealed that Samuel von Brukenthal appreciated not only the arts and literature, but he also had an extensive knowledge and concern for the natural sciences, especially for minerals. The honorary member title he was granted in 1798 by the “Mineralogical Society of Jena” (Jenaische mineralogische Sozietät) comes as recognition of his endeavors for mineralogical sciences and of his role protector. In the letter which accompanied the diploma, the Association Director, refers to him as a “connoisseur and protector of the mineralogical sciences”. (Göllner, 1977, p. 15) After his dismissal from his position as governor, Brukenthal had more time for his collections and scientific interests within the Enlightenments’ circle that came to life in Sibiu around him. One cannot estimate precisely when Brukenthal started his collection. From Fichtel’s note of 1780, in a paper on the geological research from Transylvania, we work out that he did not have his own collection in 1778. Schuller (1969, p.12) quotes Fichtel, who mentioned Brukenthal’s “praiseworthy” intention to create a mineral collection. “This learned leader of the country is now considering a natural collection related to the library. What an excellent prospect for the future and for the great geniuses, who miss only the opportunity and the inspiring examples.” (Schuller 1969, p. 12) Therefore we could assume that Brukenthal started to set up his collection in 1780. It was between 1770 and 1780 that the trend of scientific research in natural history, which had started in Sweden, would now take over Fig. 1: Governor Samuel von Brukenthal (1721-1803) 111
