Böttger, Johann Friedrich << BAYT guhr, YOH hahn FREE drihkh >> (1682-1719), a German chemist, was the first European to produce porcelain (see Porcelain). The process had been a mystery for hundreds of years after Chinese porcelain was first brought to Europe. Böttger produced porcelain in 1708 and made a suitable glaze for it in 1709. His genius in ceramic technology had much to do with many of the things we enjoy today. For example, porcelains in bathrooms and porcelain insulation in spark plugs are both results of Böttger’s discovery. Böttger was born on Feb. 4, 1682, in Schleiz, near Plauen, Germany. He died on March 13, 1719. See also Dresden china.
