Here is an incredible list: 25 facts about Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge. Hey you! yes, you drinking that coffee. Are you enjoying the satisfying warmth, on a cold day?
Or perhaps you’re drinking an iced coffee on a summer day mixed with Hazelnut syrup with a dash of whip cream. Maybe you aren’t even drinking it, but are using coffee in unique and interesting ways.
Did you know that Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge is the scientist who discovered coffee? Like many great inventions in history, it was discovered by accident.
Ferdinand Runge was also was responsible for discovering the first way to dye clothes. He was one of several scientists whose discovery changed the world in unbelievable ways. So, raise your mugs and read the Top 25 Facts About Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge
His Family and Sibilings

Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge came from a rather large family. Runge had seven siblings all who were raised by a single father. His father was a minister.
Early Scientific Fascination

Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge was born on February 8, 1794, in Billwerder. At a very early age he was fascinated with science and chemistry.
Discovery of Caffeine

Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge discovered caffeine almost by accident. He was experimenting with something else when an accident happened and it led to the discovery of caffeine.
A Young Scientist

Runge was only 25 years old when he discovered caffeine. This proves you’re never too young for great discoveries.
His Upbrining

Runge’s mother died when he was only 12. He was raised by his father who was a Lutheran minister.
First Discovery of the Belladonna

Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge discovered the effects of the belladonna plant. He accidentally got some in his eyes and noticed his eyes dilated. He also noticed the plant caused effects, such as blurred vision, dry mouth, and mental problems.
Professor

Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge was a professor at The University of Breslau, which was nearly destroyed by the French general Napoleon Bonaparte. Ironically, Napoleon was a big lover of coffee.
Runge and Goethe

Runge discovered caffeine during the time he discovered the effects of belladonna. He was with a writer by the name Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who told him to put belladonna into the eyes of a cat. Goethe was so impressed with the effects of the experimentation, he gave him a bag of coffee beans to analyze the contents.
Discovery of Coal Tar-Dyes

Tar dyes are artificial coloring agents that can be found in shampoo and food. They are also used to cure and kill head lice, and treat skin problems.
He had other jobs

Before he landed a job in chemistry, Runge worked as a pharmacist and as a physician. His first chemistry job was at the University of Breslau.
He was a writer

Not only was he a chemist and discovered one of the greatest things on Earth. Runge was also a great science writer. He helped physicians and pharmacists transcribe their work.
Died a Poor Man

Tragically, even after his amazing discoveries and contributions to the scientific community, Runge was fired from his chemistry job and lived in poverty up until his death.
Quinine Discovery

After Runge made the wonderful discovery of caffeine, he got a career in purine chemistry. It was at this job that he discovered quinine. It is used to treat malaria. Sadly, he was not credited with this discovery.
Problems with Employers

Runge had many problems with his employers. Anytime he made a scientific discovery, they dismissed what he had to say. Eventually, he was fired from his job after 20 years.
Coffeshops

As soon as caffeine was discovered, coffee shops sprung up. However, it was mostly the upper class who went to these cafes.
Beet Analysis

Runge was the first scientist to extract sugar from beet juice. He was interested in many things and plants provided him with endless opportunities for learning.
An Interesting Thought

So Runge discovered caffeine when he analyzed some coffee beans, given to him by the poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Have you ever noticed how much poetry is read in coffee shops? A coincidence? Maybe
Age of Death

If Runge were alive today he would be 225 years. In 1867, he died at the age of 73 in Oranienburg, Germany.
Nickname

Because of his constant work with poisons, his classmates nicknamed him Dr. Gift. Gift is the German word for poison.
Chromotography

Runge also discovered paper chromatography. Chromatography is a method used to separate color chemicals or substances.
Book

Bennet Alan Weinberg and Bonnie K Bealer were two authors who wrote a book about Runge. It was called “The World of Caffeine: The Science and Culture of the World’s Most Popular Drug.”
Coffee as it is Today

Thanks to Runge’s discovery more than 450,000,000 cups of coffee are drunk every day. So raise your mugs and say thank you.
Caffeine Today

Caffeine is found in some of your favorite noncoffee drinks including soft drinks such as Coke, Pepsi, and Mountain Dew.
Unknown Death

Runge died on March 25th, 1867. The cause of his death remains unknown. However, it wasn’t until 2 years after his death that he was acknowledged for his discoveries.
The Transition

Since Runge’s discovery coffee has gone through many transformations. It’s become a cappuccino, an espresso, and a latte. Whichever way we drink it, let’s thank Mr. Runge.