Sven Rinman was an eminent Swedish chemist and mineralogist. He is highly regarded as one of the foremost pioneers in using the blowpipe for analyses. A first-rate inventor and a skilled scientist, he is known as the “father of the Swedish iron industry” who had a great influence on mining and steel production in Sweden.
Background
Sven Rinman was born on June 23, 1720, in Uppsala, Sweden. For generations, the Rinman family produced scientists who worked in training and metallurgy. Sven Rinman was the son of Gustaf Rinman, county treasurer in Uppsala, and Magdalena Leijonmarck.
Education
After studies at the University of Uppsala, Rinman devoted his working life to the metal industries.
Career
At the age of 20, he became a teacher at the Royal College of Mines. In the years 1746 and 1747 Rinman visited several European countries to improve his knowledge on mining and metallurgy. After his return, he became an inspector in several mines and metal works.
As director of mining and metallurgy and as adviser to proprietors and managers of mines and iron works all over Sweden - duties he performed on behalf of the Swedish Ironmasters’ Association and the Royal Mines Authority - Rinman made substantial theoretical and practical contributions to the improvement of iron and steel production methods, especially of charcoal blast furnaces. His works, both published and unpublished, are highly esteemed sources for knowledge of iron and steelmaking during the eighteenth century, both in Sweden and in the countries he visited.
Membership
Rinman was elected a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in 1753.