Theodor Kravina von Kronstein and His Outline of Economic Knowledge

Abstract

Theodor Kravina von Kronstein (1720-1789) was born in Slovenska Bistrica. As a Jesuit he became a prefect and, subsequently, rector of the Theresian Academy (Theresianum) in Vienna. The article deals with his volume entitled Entwurf der oekonomischen Kenntnisse, which was published in 1773 and provides a systematic overview of economic knowledge taught at Theresianum, including practical knowledge of soil, plants, minerals and raw materials, as well as knowledge of techniques used to process them and make fi nished products. Kravina provides a description of Theresianum’s 'economic garden' and collection of minerals, by means of which the quality of education offered there under his leadership improved significantly.