Johannes Gutenberg
Johannes Gutenberg
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Strasbourg Period: Early Experiments and Partnerships

This timeline details Gutenberg's activities and experiments in Strasbourg, France, a crucial period in his development of printing technology. It also highlights his involvement in various business ventures.
Relocation to Strasbourg
c. 1430
Gutenberg moved to Strasbourg, a city known for its craftsmanship and trade. This move marked a significant turning point as it provided him with a new environment to pursue his inventive ideas.
Early Experiments with Metalworking and Jewelry
1430s
Historical accounts suggest Gutenberg was involved in various crafts and trades in Strasbourg, including metalworking, jewelry making, and polishing gemstones. These activities honed his skills and provided him with a deep understanding of metallurgy, which would prove essential for his printing innovations.
Formation of a Partnership with Andreas Dritzehn, Andreas Heilmann, and Imer Frieburg
1438
Gutenberg entered into a partnership with Andreas Dritzehn, Andreas Heilmann, and Imer Frieburg for a project described as 'arts and adventures'. While the specific nature of the project remains debated, many believe it involved early experiments related to printing or other mechanical inventions. The partnership dissolved after Dritzehn's death, leading to legal disputes.
Lawsuit Regarding the Partnership after Dritzehn's Death
1439
Following Andreas Dritzehn's death, his heirs sued Gutenberg, seeking a share of the profits from the partnership. This lawsuit provides valuable insights into Gutenberg's secretive experiments and confirms the existence of early printing-related activities. Witnesses testified about the existence of forms, presses, and printing materials, although their exact function was not fully understood.