Volume 36 (2018): Edition 1 (December 2018)
ECONOMIC TRANSFERS

The article focuses on problems related to capital in Katowicka Spółka Akcyjna dla Górnictwa i Hutnictwa SA (Katowice Mining and Metallurgy Joint Stock Company) and Górnośląskie Zjednoczone Huty “Królewska” i “Laura” (Upper Silesian United Metallurgical Plants “Królewska” and “Laura”) in the years 1918–1939. The article examines particular issues of the Upper Silesian industry after the Great War, namely: concentration of foreign capital in the mining and metallurgical industries; great mining and metallurgical enterprises in the periods of both industrial prosperity and crisis; attempts to limit the influence of foreign capital following the introduction of judicial supervision over Katowicka Spółka Akcyjna dla Górnictwa i Hutnictwa SA and Górnośląskie Zjednoczone Huty “Królewska” i “Laura” SA; the emergence of Wspólnota Interesów Górniczo– Hutniczych SA (Mining and Metallurgy Community of Interests Joint Stock Company) in the final years of the Second Polish Republic.

A drastic decrease in the European pond turtle population occurred at the end of 18th century and during the first half of 19th century. The exploitation of this species, as a source of food and drug substances, is nowadays almost forgotten. The present paper aimed at, firstly, underlining some historical sources concerning the exploitation of the European pond turtle. Secondly, its goal is to answer the following question: to what extent did the exploitation of the species contribute to the decline of the population? The author concludes with the importance and necessity of historical and economic analysis in order to understand the phenomenon of the decline of the European pond turtle population. This research, which must be continued by historians, will help the naturalists in action to protect and reintroduce the species into its former geographical range.