1661-1751

Swedish inventor who designed a number of machines and made great improvements to his country's mining industries. One of the first notable scientists from Sweden, Polhem created and built lathes, clocks, tools, and other devices. He also held a key position with the Royal Board of Mines, where in 1716 Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772), destined to become a famous scientist, mystic, and philosopher, came to work as his assistant. The two men worked together for a number of decades, during which time they made mineralogical studies and sought to enhance the operations of Swedish mines.