Transfer of knowledge and techniques as well as competition processes in the 16th and 17th century: the case of the production of 'leonische Drähte' in the Nuremberg region

The transfer of techniques was always an objectionable process in Early Modern Times mercantilism. The article discusses by which ways the methods of pulling wire for luxury purposes diffused from Lyon and Milan into the city of Nuremberg, into the region of Nuremberg, and later in Germany. After a synopsis of fundamental economic circumstances, some well-known ways of transfer were identified: displacement motivated by religion and recruitment of specialised workforce as well as espionage. However, two additional but unattended ways of the diffusion of these techniques could be identified in the case discussed: marriage policy and a kind of individual thanks for proven help. During the time of the spread-out of the techniques some special processes in the competition between different dominions can be identified additionally. Abstract printed by permission of Franz Steiner Verlag, Stuttgart, Germany