Introductions to
Goethe's Scientific Writings
GA 1
Even before studying natural sciences and mathematics at the Technical University in Vienna, Rudolf Steiner had already been preoccupied with Goethe and fundamental philosophical questions of natural science. Shortly after beginning his studies, he met the literary scholar and linguist Karl Julius Schröer (1825–1900), an encounter that would prove to be of far-reaching significance for him. Schröer introduced the student, who was interested in natural science and literature, to Goethe the man and poet, and encouraged him to study Goethe's scientific writings and notes in depth. It cannot be ruled out — but nor can it be proven — that Steiner had already been studying Goethe's scientific works before he met Schröer and then Joseph Kürschner.
The interesting discussions and debates on fundamental questions of natural philosophy that he had with Steiner prompted Schröer to recommend the young scientist to the editor-in-chief of the series “Deutsche National-Literatur” (German National Literature), the writer, theater scholar, and lexicographer Joseph Kürschner (1853–1902) (letter dated June 4, 1882) as the editor of Goethe's scientific writings. Kürschner immediately agreed, on the condition that Schröer would supervise Steiner's work, accompany the printing process, and write an introduction.
In addition to the introductions and supplementary texts, Steiner also wrote detailed comments on the content and editorial aspects of Goethe's texts. For this reason, the edition of these introductions and supplementary texts, even with the inclusion of selected comments, represents only a part of Steiner's efforts to do justice to Goethe's scientific writings. Since these texts are naturally particularly interesting in the context of Goethe's writings, the entire scientific writings of the Kürschner edition have been reprinted several times, in some cases with the omission of texts from the original edition and sometimes with supplementary texts by the respective editors.
Goethean Science
Mercury Press, Spring Valley, N. Y., 1988, 277 pp., translated from the German by William Lindeman, ISBN 0-936132-92-2 Paper
Cover graphic form by Rudolf Steiner (originally as a study for GA 3. Truth and Science).
Originally published as introductions to “Goethe's Scientific Writings” in Kürschner's “Deutsche National-Litteratur,” with introductions, footnotes, and explanations edited by Rudolf Steiner, 4 volumes, Stuttgart 1884-97.
The text is derived from the 4th German edition. The fifth and final edition of 2022 is greatly expanded with an additional 300 pages of content and commentary.
1st edition (1st-5th thousand, designated as first to fifth edition) Dornach 1926 2nd edition, Freiburg i.Br. 1949
3rd edition, complete edition Dornach 1973
4th edition, complete edition Dornach 1987
5th edition, revised and expanded edition 2022 (final edition)
Published English Translations
- Goethe the Scientist, Anthroposophic Press, New York, N. Y., 1950, 280 pp., translated from the German edition of 1926 by Olin D. Wannamaker
- Readings in Goethean Science, Bio-Dynamic Literature, Wyoming, R. I., 1978, 62 pp., compilation and introduction by Herbert H Koepf and Linda S. Jolly
- Goethean Science, Mercury Press, Spring Valley, N. Y., 1988, 277 pp., translated from the German by William Lindeman, ISBN 0-936132-92-2 Paper
- Nature's Open Secret, Anthroposophic Press, Hudson, N. Y., 2000, 2010 320 pp., translated by John Barnes and Mado Spiegler, ISBN 0-88010-393-0