Freiherr Von Justus LiebigGerman scientist Justus Freiherr von Liebig, who lived from 12 May 1803 to 20 April 1873, made significant discoveries in agricultural and biological chemistry. He created the contemporary laboratory-oriented teaching methodology while serving as a pofessor at the University of Giessen. Because of his emphasis on nitrogen and trace minerals as crucial plant nutrients, he has been referred to as the "father of the fertilizer business." The son of a dry goods and hardware dealer, Justus Liebig was born in Darmstadt, Germany. The Great Famine of 1816, which Liebig experienced at the age of 13, is credited with influencing his subsequent work. Lussac's Georges Cuvier and Alexander von Humboldt became his friends. On Humboldt's advice, Liebig was appointed a professor of chemistry at the University of Giessen in 1824. He was a member of the philosophy faculty and taught general chemistry, leaving medical chemistry and pharmacy to the medical faculty. In an attempt to outdo Liebig for students and lecture fees, Zimmermann eventually killed himself on July 19, 1825. In May 1826, Liebig wed Henriette "Jettchen" Moldenhauer (1807–1881), a state official's daughter. Although Liebig was a Lutheran and Jettchen a Catholic, their religious differences seem to have been reconciled by raising their daughters as Catholics and their children as Lutherans. Read More Read Less