Chemie und Basel

Abstract

During the past 130 years Basel has developed into a centre of chemistry of worldwide importance. Today the chemical companies are blamed for being responsible for the deterioration of the environment. On the other hand, our modern world is completely dependent on their products. The uneasiness and fears of parts of the population towards chemistry are often the result of ignorance and misunderstandings. Chemistry as a science is not well understood. Therefore more information and publicity is needed. In spite of this criticism, the presence of the three big chemical firms, Ciba-Geigy AG., F. Hoffmann-La Roche & Co. AG. and Sandoz AG. is a fundamental economic factor for the city of Basel and the whole region. The history of this development began with the appearance of Paracelsus in 1527 at the University of Basel. The discovery of mauvein, the first synthetic dyestuff by W.H. Perkin in 1856 catalyzed the foundation of several chemical companies in Basel, producing dyestuffs, mainly by french immigrants. The history of chemistry at the University and of the chemical industry in Basel is described. At the end of the 19th century the diversification of the dyestuff producers was initiated. Only Roche started as a purely pharmaceutical company. – At present the period of rapid growth has probably come to an end. It has been replaced by a phase of consolidation. It is vital to use this period for innovations in research and development in order to be successful also in the future.