Before the division of Upper Silesia was completed, the German explosives manufacturer “Lignose” AG began adjusting its business operations to the new realities. Initially, the company leased its factories in Bieruń Stary, Krywałd, and Pniowce to “Lignose-Ost” AG, and subsequently decided to sell all assets to “Lignoza” SA. The primary buyers of the company’s products were the largest coal mining enterprises. By ceasing the production of military explosives, “Lignose” shifted its focus to the civilian market. In addition to the detonating agents produced before the Great War, the company began implementing newer, safer materials for users, as well as fuses, detonators, igniters, and caps. Explosives with compositions and properties different from those used in mining began to be employed across various sectors of economic activity. The decline in demand for explosive–grade nitrate, lignosites, barbarites, dynamites, and powders during the second wave of inflation led to a search for new markets abroad. Initial sales successes, mainly in Yugoslavia, Romania, and the Baltic states, involved explosives and equipment, and later expanded to complete technological lines. Alongside ongoing laboratory research on new generations of civilian–use detonating agents, an investigation into bakelite compounds was also commenced. The realization of these ideas was made possible by earlier advancements from the Chemical Research Institute. The success achieved resulted in the development of many other sectors of economic activity. In the late 1930s, under the direction of military authorities, armament programs were reintroduced in Bieruń Stary and Krywałd. The expansion of the product range was planned for new factories in Pustków, near Dębica.
This article explores the medieval understanding of diabetes, drawing on descriptions from the works Practica medicinalis and De iudiciis urine by Thomas of Wrocław (1297– 1378), a physician. It also examines how he interpreted this disease within the framework of Galenic theory. The article discusses how Thomas defined and classified diabetes, emphasizing the variety of terminology used. The starting point for refl ections on the causes of the disease’s onset was ancient and medieval medical theories about the functioning of the human body, especially Galen’s concept of the forces – capacities (virtutes) – responsible for digestion and urine formation. Using descriptions of diabetes from authors cited by Thomas – including Gilbert of England, Bernard de Gordon, and Guglielmo de Saliceto – it analyzes the medieval understanding of the disease’s mechanisms, particularly the link between digestive disorders and its progression. The article also features the characteristic traits of urine in individuals with diabetes as observed by medieval physicians. Furthermore, it compares the description of the disease with other urinary tract conditions, such as diampnes or stranguria, illustrating the diagnostic challenges faced by medieval doctors. Overall, the article aims to portray Thomas of Wrocław’s treatises as evidence of how ancient traditions were adopted and how medical knowledge was organized in the 14th c.
Radosław Skrycki, Johann Baptista Homann (1664–1724) – kartograf i jego światy. Katalog wystawy z okazji 300. rocznicy śmierci, Zespół Historii Kartografii przy Instytucie Historii Nauki PAN, Szczecin, Warszawa 2024, ss. 112, 46 opisów, 46 ilustracji The author examines and characterizes the existing literature on Johann Baptista Homann’s maps and work. She demonstrates, with examples, the complexities involved in distinguishing different editions or states of selected maps and addresses errors and omissions that have historically stemmed from researchers’ limited access to highquality images of cartographic materials. The discussion focuses on two significant older publications about Homann: Christian Sandler’s work, which focuses mainly on the content and intellectual aspects of Homann’s maps, and Wilhelm Eberle’s detailed, archival-based study of Homann’s life and work, which reveals many previously unknown facts. Lastly, the analysis covers the latest publication – Radosław Skrycki’s catalogue – which highlights the richness and diversity of Homann’s work.
