After the long war the public purse in Brandenburg was empty. I helped to refill it. How? With crystal and cranberry glass. Because I know the secrets of its production. I am the alchemist Johannes Kunckel. I’ve learned my craft from my father. The Great Elector Frederick William invited me to Brandenburg. Here I experimented on Peacock Island and improved the production process for glass. Particularly my cranberry glass is a popular luxury. Now it can be produced in large quantities. Clear crystal glass is equally sought after. And there is a growing desire for coloured glass beads, especially for trade. Seafarers use them to exchange goods in the African colonies. But now that the Great Elector has died it is getting harder for me. Despite my accomplishments. Because his son thinks I am not worth my salary of 500 thalers anymore. After the death of the Great Elector, Johannes Kunckel left Brandenburg and served the King of Sweden. He died on a journey in 1703.