Kunckel (or Kunckel von Lowenstjern), Johann (1630–1703)

German chemist who, with his English contemporary Robert Boyle, shares the credit for discovering a practical method of preparing phosphorus.

Kunckel was born in Hutten, in the northern province of Schleswig-Holstein. His method of obtaining phosphorus involved distilling concentrated and putrefying urine with sand. In 1669, the manufacturer Brandt began commercial production of phosphorus in Hamburg using Kunckel's process. Kunckel was also a skilful maker of glass.