Johann Daniel Schöpflin facts for kids
Johann Daniel Schöpflin (born September 6, 1694, in Sulzburg; died August 7, 1771, in Strasbourg) was a smart professor. He taught history, public speaking, and law at the University of Strasbourg. He was even one of the teachers of the famous writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
About His Life
Schöpflin was very well-known across Europe. His ideas and influence reached far beyond the city of Strasbourg. He wrote many letters to people. These letters help us understand what university life was like back then. They also show us a lot about culture and how countries talked to each other during the Age of Enlightenment. This was a time when new ideas were very important.
His notes about people he knew and events happening at the time are now a key source for historians. Schöpflin wrote to many important scholars. These included Martin Gerbert and Rustenus Heer from the Sankt Blasien Abbey in the Black Forest. In 1728, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group of scientists.
In 1760, Charles Frederick, Grand Duke of Baden asked Schöpflin for a special favor. He wanted Schöpflin to write the history of his family, the von Baden family.
Starting in 1763, Schöpflin joined the Palatine Academy of Sciences in Mannheim. He was even chosen as its first honorary president.
Schöpflin taught Goethe in 1770 and 1771. He shared his love for history with Goethe. He especially taught him about old poems from the Middle Ages. Another one of Schöpflin's students was Andreas Lamey (1726-1802). Lamey later became a historian himself.
His Books
Schöpflin wrote several important books during his life. These books are still used by historians today.
- Alsatia diplomatica, two books, Strasbourg 1772-1775 ([1]).
- Alsatia Illustrata, two books, Colmar 1751-1761.
- Historia Zaringo-Badensis, seven books, Karlsruhe 1763-1766 ([2]).
- Vindiciae Celticae, Strasbourg 1754 ([3]).
