[Charcoal burners and carbon monoxide poisoning--help came from a scientific journal].

The breakthrough for professional journals came in the 18th century. In 1972, Hans (Johannes) Möller (1736-96), a district physician in Bratsberg County, published an article in Topographisk Journal for Norge on carbon monoxide poisoning among charcoal burners, advising on the prevention of injuries and giving guidelines for treatment. This was in the heyday of Norwegian iron mills powered by charcoal, with charcoal burners paying a heavy price in the form of numerous fatal accidents. Möller's article was based on his experience with the local iron mill at Fritzøe. It solved a problem in this major branch of industry. Rationalist clergymen spread his advice among the general public for whom it was intended. Möller's scientific work also found an audience abroad. In 1801, five years after his death, the article was translated into German and published in a recognised German journal.