Mechanical engineering course notes by Carl Wenger, 1856-1857, 23.0 × 28.6 × 2,5 cm, half-leather binding. KIT Library III E 487/1.
In 1841, Ferdinand Redtenbacher (1809–1863) joined Karlsruhe Polytechnical College and established a new approach to teaching mechanical engineering based on his own ideas. Today, his innovations are considered the scientific foundation of the field. His teaching revolved around lectures. He used notes on the blackboard to demonstrate the necessary calculations and illustrated machines and their components with quick chalk sketches. Movable models were also employed to demonstrate mechanical functions.
To ensure that the teaching content be retained, students had to quickly jot down what they heard and saw during lectures and then in later revision make detailed fair copies. These copies were what were studied at home. This process required not only legible writing and precise language but also adequate drawing skills to sketch the occasional colorful illustration. In addition to attending and studying the lecture material, students performed design exercises to apply what they had learned. Lecture notes and practical drawings preserved in the KIT Archives demonstrate that these articles were kept long after they had served their academic purpose. kn