Insights into the History of the Collection

Dr. Emil Risler

11.11.1858 – 26.4.1916

Emil Risler was born in Freiburg in 1858 and studied chemistry and mineralogy at the local university from 1876 until 1881. His doctorate was dedicated to the study of benzedine. He completed a year's voluntary service in the 3rd Baden Dragoon Regiment in Karlsruhe in 1879. After the death of his father, he took over the management of the Risler & Cie pearl and button factory in Freiburg in 1884. This family estate was extended by the acquisition of the Flinsch paper mill and the Mez silk twisting plant at the turn of the century.

The Risler family was central to Freiburg's economy and belonged to the wealthiest circles in the city. They were patrons of various cultural institutions and Emil Risler was also politically and socially active.

Risler was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Citizens' Committee and the German Fleet Association. He was also active as a city councillor from 1897 until 1907. Risler was a member of the Naturforschenden Gesellschaft Freiburg from 1889.

Risler Donation

Emil Risler's name was added to the roll of honour in 1898. His donation consisted exclusively of natural history objects. Risler donated several small domestic animals to the museum in 1899 and 1900, viz. a polecat, a mole, a rabbit, a hare and an ermine, as well as ten domestic birds.