Memorial to Johann Heinrich August von Duncker

Johann Heinrich August Duncker was a German optical industrialist.

Duncker, the son of a pastor, began studying theology in Halle in 1786. Three years later, in 1789, after successfully completing his studies, he moved back to Rathenow. There he trades microscopes and glasses in the rectory and shows them from around 1790.

On March 10, 1801, together with the garrison priest Samuel Christoph Wagener, it signified the Royal Privileged Optical Industry Institution, the right Rathenower Optical Works (ROW). Duncker invented the multi-grinding machine, which he also patented. This invention has been directed to changing the making of the rights. The multi-grinding machine and the development of his institution, which was also promoted by his son Eduard and his grandson Emil Busch - laid the foundation for the development of the city of Rathenow as an optical industrial location and gave it the honorary name City of Optics that still exists today.

In 1820 Duncker fell ill with a nervous fever, probably typhoid, and lived in Rathenow until his death on June 14, 1843. After his perception of the son Eduard at the age of 23 the father's business. In 1845, Eduard and his nephew Emil Busch took over management of the company. Both were concerned about structural and technological damage to keep the company capable.

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