The 550th Anniversary of the Universität Basel, 1460 – 2010: Paracelsian Beginnings and Chemistry

Abstract

This year marks the 550th anniversary of the founding of the Universität Basel. After its inception, the development of chemistry has played a major role in its evolution as an academic institution to meet the needs of industry and the educational community. Chemistry evolved in Basel as a dominant industry because of its central location and connection to the Rhine. The dyestuff industry and later the pharmaceutical industry established the Basel location as a major center of distribution. Companies like Sandoz AG, Ciba AG, J. R. Geigy AG, and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG influenced the defining role of chemistry not only in Europe but throughout the world. This article highlights some of the academic personalities that contributed to the development of chemistry in the remarkable history of the Universität Basel since the time of Paracelsus.