Background
Rafn was born in Viborg, Denmark as the son of a judge.
Rafn was born in Viborg, Denmark as the son of a judge.
University of Copenhagen.
He wrote influential papers on a broad array of basic and applied sciences. He began studies of medicine and botany at the University of Copenhagen in 1788, but later changed to veterinary science with Professional Corporation Abildgaard at the Veterinary School in Copenhagen. He never took any final exam, however.
Instead, he became Assessor in the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce under the Danish absolute monarchy and filled various other posts, such as being the first director of a new Royal Aquavit Distillery, which was founded on his own initiative.
Rafn died in Copenhagen in 1808, only 39 years old.