# Leopold Gmelin

> German chemist (1788–1853)

**Wikidata**: [Q60639](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q60639)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopold_Gmelin)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/leopold-gmelin

## Summary
Leopold Gmelin was a German chemist (1788–1853) known for his contributions to inorganic chemistry and for initiating the Gmelin database, a comprehensive handbook of inorganic compounds. He was a university teacher and scientist trained in the study of chemistry, affiliated with institutions including the University of Tübingen, University of Göttingen, and University of Vienna.

## Biography
- Born: August 2, 1788
- Nationality: German
- Education: Educated at University of Tübingen, University of Göttingen, and University of Vienna
- Known for: Contributions to inorganic chemistry and creation of the Gmelin database
- Employer(s): University of Tübingen, University of Göttingen, University of Vienna
- Field(s): Chemistry

## Contributions
Leopold Gmelin made significant contributions to inorganic chemistry through his research and academic work. He initiated the Gmelin database, a comprehensive German handbook/encyclopedia of inorganic compounds that became a foundational reference in the field. His work influenced the development of chemical nomenclature and classification systems. Gmelin was also affiliated with several prestigious academic institutions where he taught and conducted research, contributing to the education of future chemists.

## FAQs
**What is Leopold Gmelin known for?**
Leopold Gmelin is known for his contributions to inorganic chemistry and for initiating the Gmelin database, a comprehensive handbook of inorganic compounds that became a standard reference in the field.

**Where did Leopold Gmelin work?**
Gmelin worked at several German universities including the University of Tübingen, University of Göttingen, and University of Vienna, where he taught chemistry and conducted research.

**What was the Gmelin database?**
The Gmelin database was a German handbook/encyclopedia of inorganic compounds initiated by Leopold Gmelin that became a foundational reference work in inorganic chemistry.

**What field did Leopold Gmelin work in?**
Leopold Gmelin worked in the field of chemistry, specifically focusing on inorganic chemistry and chemical education.

## Why They Matter
Leopold Gmelin's work had a lasting impact on the field of inorganic chemistry through his systematic approach to documenting chemical compounds. The Gmelin database he initiated became an essential reference for chemists worldwide, standardizing the way inorganic compounds were classified and studied. His academic career at multiple German universities helped shape the education of numerous chemists who went on to make their own contributions to the field. Gmelin's work bridged the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical reference materials, making complex chemical information accessible to researchers and students alike.

## Notable For
- Initiating the Gmelin database, a comprehensive handbook of inorganic compounds
- Contributing to the development of chemical nomenclature and classification systems
- Teaching at multiple prestigious German universities including Tübingen, Göttingen, and Vienna
- Being a member of several academic societies including the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina
- Influencing the standardization of inorganic chemistry reference materials

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Leopold Gmelin was born on August 2, 1788, in Germany. He pursued his education at several prominent German universities, including the University of Tübingen, University of Göttingen, and University of Vienna. This comprehensive education in chemistry laid the foundation for his future contributions to the field of inorganic chemistry.

### Academic Career
Gmelin established himself as a university teacher and scientist trained in chemistry. He held positions at multiple prestigious institutions throughout his career. His academic appointments included positions at the University of Tübingen, University of Göttingen, and University of Vienna. At these institutions, he taught chemistry and conducted research, influencing generations of students in the field of chemistry.

### Scientific Contributions
Gmelin's most significant contribution to chemistry was the initiation of the Gmelin database, a comprehensive German handbook/encyclopedia of inorganic compounds. This work became a foundational reference in the field of inorganic chemistry, providing systematic documentation of chemical compounds that was essential for researchers and students alike. His work helped standardize the classification and study of inorganic compounds.

### Professional Affiliations
Throughout his career, Gmelin was affiliated with several prestigious academic organizations. He was a member of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, the Académie Nationale de Médecine, and the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony. These affiliations reflect his standing in the scientific community and his contributions to multiple fields beyond just chemistry.

### Legacy
The Gmelin database that Leopold Gmelin initiated continued to be developed and expanded after his death in 1853, becoming an enduring reference work in inorganic chemistry. His systematic approach to documenting chemical compounds influenced how chemical information was organized and accessed in the field. The Gmelin-Beilstein Commemorative Medal, awarded by the German Chemical Society, honors his contributions to chemistry and the lasting impact of his work.

### Influence on Chemistry
Gmelin's work in inorganic chemistry and his development of comprehensive reference materials helped establish standards for chemical documentation and classification. His academic career at multiple German universities contributed to the education and training of numerous chemists who went on to make their own contributions to the field. The systematic approach he pioneered in documenting inorganic compounds influenced how chemical information was organized and accessed for generations of chemists.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. BnF authorities
4. Find a Grave
5. [Mathematics Genealogy Project](http://www.genealogy.ams.org/id.php?id=126371)
6. [Mathematics Genealogy Project](http://www.genealogy.ams.org/id.php?id=141834)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. [Source](https://vls.hsa.ethz.ch/client/link/de/archiv/einheit/e0fc845f242d4b85ac8d91e95fa7c36b)
11. SNAC
12. Who Named It?
13. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
14. Proleksis Encyclopedia
15. Croatian Encyclopedia
16. www.academie-medecine.fr
17. Base biographique
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. CONOR.SI
20. Autoritats UB
21. La France savante