Johann Conrad Fischer

Johann Conrad Fischer (14 September 1773 – 26 December 1854) was a Swiss metallurgist, inventor, and pioneer in the steel industry.

[1] After attending the Gymnasium in Schaffhausen, he learned the trades of coppersmith and fire pump maker in his father's company.

In 1802 he purchased several former mills in the Muehlental (SH) section of the Merishausertal on the northern outskirts of Schaffhausen and set up a small foundry for the production of cast iron bells and fire pump engines.

Once the Continental Blockade was lifted in 1814, Fischer undertook a study trip to England and subsequently published his experiences in a travel journal.

Due to its resistance to significant changes in form with changes in temperature, this alloy would become useful much later for railroad axials and points.

Fischer is regarded as one of the leading public figures of Schaffhausen in the 19th century, and one of the initiators of the Industrial Revolution as it became manifested in Switzerland.