Friedrich Freiherr von Distler (1878-1932)

Born in Vienna on 24 December 1878 as the son of High Court President Baron Distler. Although he had developed a passion for natural sciences already in his youth, he studied law at the University of Vienna. After completing his studies he went to work for the Ministry of Finance and dealt mostly with matters concerning customs and excise. He began collecting stones while still at school. He subsequently had contact with various local and foreign dealers. His collection went to the Natural History Museum after his death on 22 March 1932, in accordance with terms of his will.