KARL JOHANN BERNHARD KARSTEN (1782-1853), German mineralogist, was born at Biitzow in Mecklenburg, on the 26th of November 1782. He was author of several comprehensive works, including Handbuch der Eisenhiittenkunde (2 vols., 1816; 3rd ed., 1841); System der Metallurgie geschichtlich, statistisch,, theoretisch and technisch (5 vols. with atlas, 1831-1832); Lehrbuch der Salinenkunde (2 vols., 1846-1847). He was well known as editor of the Archiv fiir Bergbau and Hiittenwesen (20 vols., 1818-1831); and (with H. von Dechen) of the Archiv fiir Mineralogie, Geognosie, Bergbau and Hiittenkunde (26 vols., 1829-1854). He died at Berlin on the 22nd of August 1853. His son, Dr Hermann Karsten (1809-1877), was professor of mathematics and physics in the university of Rostock.