Mineral Fumes and Mining Spirits: Popular Beliefs in the Sarepta of Johann Mathesius (1504-1565)

Abstract

The Reformation preacher in Germany, Johann Mathesius, was a mediator between learned and popular cultures in mining. His collection of sermons described a mental world rich in folk beliefs that were integrated into a broader mining culture. Reformation historians have charted the difficulties and limitations of bringing Lutheran teaching to mining towns, but they have stopped short of analyzing the mentality of miners themselves. In addition to their obvious place in Reformation history, Mathesius's sermons are equally relevant to the history of science. They support the recent argument that early-modern craftsmen possessed theory. Three issues that confronted Mathesius with long-standing folk beliefs and practices were prospecting, mine surveying, and the generation of metals. Mathesius handled these issues by integrating Christian theology and learned theory with select popular beliefs and practices.

Though I am but half a miner, from early on I have had a particular affinity for my old countryman, the mining preacher Johann Mathesius of Joachimstal, and that which he worshipped will remain dear to me to the very end.¹