Johann Beringer

German physician and professor

Johann Bartholomeus Adam Beringer (1667 – 1738) was a German physician and professor of medicine at the University of Würzburg. He is best known for his involvement in the "Lügensteine" or "lying stones" hoax, which became a famous case of scientific fraud in the early 18th century.

Early Life and Education

Beringer was born in 1667 in Würzburg, a city in the Holy Roman Empire. He pursued his studies in medicine and became a prominent figure in the academic community of Würzburg. His career was primarily centered around his role as a professor at the University of Würzburg, where he taught medicine and natural history.

The Lying Stones Hoax

Lügensteine, or "lying stones", discovered by Beringer

In 1725, Beringer was the victim of a hoax perpetrated by his colleagues, who planted carved stones on the slopes of the Eibelstadt mountain. These stones, which came to be known as "Lügensteine," were inscribed with various figures, including animals, plants, and celestial bodies. Beringer believed these stones to be fossils of great significance and published a book titled Lithographiae Wirceburgensis in 1726, detailing his findings.

The hoax was orchestrated by two of Beringer's colleagues, J. Ignatz Roderick, a professor of geography and mathematics, and Johann Georg von Eckhart, a librarian and historian. Their intention was to embarrass Beringer, whom they considered arrogant and self-important. The hoax was eventually uncovered, leading to a scandal that damaged Beringer's reputation.

Aftermath and Legacy

After the hoax was revealed, Beringer attempted to salvage his reputation by suing his colleagues. The court case brought to light the details of the deception, and Beringer was awarded damages. However, the incident left a lasting impact on his career and is often cited as a cautionary tale in the history of science.

Despite the scandal, Beringer continued his work in medicine and academia until his death in 1738. The "Lügensteine" remain a notable example of scientific fraud and are preserved in museums as a reminder of the importance of skepticism and verification in scientific inquiry.

Related Pages

• Fossil
• Scientific fraud
• University of Würzburg