Johann Silberschlag

Who was Johann Silberschlag?

Johann Esaias Silberschlag was a German Lutheran theologian and natural scientist from Aschersleben, Principality of Halberstadt.

In 1760, he became an external member of the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin, Privy Councillor in the newly founded Office for Public Works, Section of Mechanical Engineering and Hydraulic Engineering. In 1780 Silberschlag observed and described the Brocken bow. In his book Geonetics or Explanation of the Mosaic Creation according to Physical and Mathematical Foundations he tried to reconcile theology and science. The lunar crater Silberschlag is named after him. Sources: Silberschlag, Johann Esaias. 1788. Mein Lebenslauf zur Nachricht für meine Familie und Freunde. Berlin: Johann Karl Franz Eisfeld. Silberschlag, Hans. Wie der Name Silberschlag auf den Mond kam. Stadt und Geschichte. Zeitschrift für Erfurt, Nr. 11 Tschackert, Paul, „Silberschlag, Johann Esaias“, in: Allgemeine Deutsche Biographie 34, S. 314-316 [Onlinefassung]; URL: http://www.deutsche-biographie.de/pnd115360166.html?anchor=adb